The Latest Breaking News from wind power

Wind Farms and Raptors in India: What Mortality Surveys Found

What the Surveys Actually MeasuredRaptor mortality surveys do not rely on chance sightings. Trained observers walk transects beneath turbine arrays on a fixed schedule, recording carcasses, feathers, and strike evidence. In Kutch, surveys have documented collision mortality among species using the Rann's open scrubland and seasonal wetlands as foraging and…

Times Life · 14m ago

Tiny Fins Boost Output: vortex generators tweak turbine power; placement errors cut gains

Vortex generators, tiny aerodynamic fins strategically positioned on wind turbine blades, can dramatically enhance their efficiency. Research illustrates that these devices can boost power output by up to 20% during high wind conditions. A pivotal field test from 1986 revealed a nearly 6% annual energy gain in smaller turbines, while…

The Times of India · 17h ago

Automated Curtailment Disputed Impact: Studies split on eagle death cuts; more multi-site data needed

Recent studies have shown that the automated curtailment system can drastically reduce eagle deaths at wind turbine locations. Initial findings indicated a remarkable 63% drop in fatalities following the technology's implementation. However, subsequent analysis revealed that the reduction might only be closer to 50%, highlighting inconsistencies. Experts stress that additional…

The Times of India · 19h ago

Testing Efficacy Of Bird Deterrents: Nova Scotia pilot finds no owl effect; calls for stronger evidence

In a comprehensive study conducted in Nova Scotia, researchers explored the use of owl decoys and predator sound recordings as bird deterrents near wind turbines. By comparing bird activity at sites with these deterrents to control sites without them, they discovered that there was no significant alteration in bird behavior.…

The Times of India · Oct 17

Radar Shutdowns Cut Bird Deaths: studies back selective turbine stops; downtime stays minimal

Wind farms have the potential to simultaneously produce clean energy and protect wildlife, particularly migrating birds. A study conducted in Portugal reported no bird fatalities across five migration seasons by momentarily halting turbine operations. This strategy employed advanced radar technology to track bird movements and automate turbine shutdowns. A similar…

The Times of India · Oct 17

Prototype Turbine Power Boost: Variable-pitch blades lift output by 22%; long-term gains still unproven

At the University of Waterloo, researchers have developed an innovative vertical-axis wind turbine featuring adjustable blades to maximize efficiency. During practical tests, this design was found to generate around 22% more power compared to traditional fixed-blade models. The automation of blade pitch adjustments in response to varying wind speeds is…

The Times of India · Oct 16

Painting Turbine Bases Cuts Collisions: Study links black towers to fewer ptarmigan deaths; wider tests urged

At the Smøla wind-power plant, an intriguing study assessed how painting turbine bases black can affect bird collisions, particularly benefiting low-flying species like the willow ptarmigan. The findings revealed a significant 48.2% decline in avian fatalities at the painted turbines. This promising strategy paves the way for further investigations into…

The Times of India · Oct 16

Engineers turn retired wind turbine blades into highway signs, cutting material costs by 73%

Engineers at the University of Houston have repurposed retired wind turbine blades to build a highway sign structure, creating a potential new use for hard-to-recycle materials. The prototype could cut material costs by 73% and reduce embodied energy and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 65%, according to the researchers.

The Economic Times · Oct 10

Beneath one Sussex wind turbine, 75,000 recycled cubes replace rock armour in the ocean

About 75,000 recycled concrete cubes have been installed around the foundation of a wind turbine at the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm, about 13 kilometres off the Sussex coast in the English Channel. The unusual installation is designed to do two jobs at once: protect the turbine foundation from seabed erosion,…

The Times of India · Oct 10

Wind Leases Add Farm Income: Iowa farmer earns $20,000 a year; turbines steady volatile crop cash

Iowa farmers are increasingly opting to lease land for wind turbine installations, providing them with an alternative income stream. While crop yields have remained strong, plunging commodity prices can tighten profit margins. For example, Tim Hemphill benefits from $20,000 each year from wind leases, offering a financial cushion when crop…

The Times of India · Oct 5