E x a m i n i n g P h y s i c a l a n d M e t a p h y s i c a l P e r f o r m a n c e
499
wind turbines. Most of the planning policies concentrate on the PV panels and large wind
turbines which have a larger market. Feed in tariffs schemes are used to sell the
electricity generated to the grid for tax less income. There are consultancies that give
detailed information on the planning procedures, but due to lack of long term data
available on the performance of micro wind turbines, it is a less preferred option.
The need for the permission from the neighbours in the community makes it necessary
to educate people about the benefits of using a wind turbine and keep them updated with
the latest technologies regarding the improved efficiency and reduced noise
disturbances. Now there are wind turbines in the market which produce 20dB, which
would be hardly audible especially in an urban context. These updated technologies do
not harm the birds.
A detail on the amount of noise from the wind turbine is necessary while for the planning
application process. This noise considered for planning application should not be a
disturbance to the closest neighbouring unit when its windows are partially open for
ventilation. A planning application needs to consider social, economic, transport and
other relevant physical infrastructure should not lead to over development, for this very
reason better integration and details on the wind turbine is necessary.
Conclusions
The questionnaire results show that people do not have enough information on how
effective small wind systems could be and are unaware of the number of options
available in the market due to its size in comparison with other wide spread larger
markets. It is evident that people are encouraged to participate in a social conversation
on the influence of a wind turbine to the community and offset it could create on energy
bills. A wind turbine when installed with some background study about the location of
installation, height of mast taking the help of products that can predict the energy output
from a wind turbine will give more positive results. Planning policies should be modified
to encourage the use of wind turbine but at the same time care should be taken to make
sure that wind turbine is not installed at the wrong locations. Doing so will make it difficult
for the industry to continue its growth pattern and reach the targets set by the
governments. Encouragement should be given to alternatives in small wind systems like
VAWTs which would create a healthy competition within the industry itself leading to
more innovative design and technology of wind turbines.
References
BETTER GENERATION GROUP, 2009, Power Predictor 2.0 brochure
> retrieved on
April 11, 2012.
BETTER GENERATION, 2012, Swift eind energy system wind turbine
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turbine.html> retrieved on May 02, 2012.
HANNAH ALDRIDGE, ANUSHREE PAREKH, TOM MACINNES AND PETER KENWA.
Monitoring poverty and social exclusion. York: Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2011.
POWER PREDICTOR, 2011 <
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site/3471> retrieved on April 25, 2012.
REFOCUS, 2003, HAWT versus VAWT <
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turbine/papers/HAWT%20versus.pdf> retrieved on April 24, 2012.
