Wind Turbine Noise Problems

Wind Turbine Noise Problems

9.3.04.

WIND TURBINE NOISE PROBLEMS

Wind power advocates' cavalier dismissal of two British studies indicating health problems arising from low frequency noise produced by wind turbines offers no evidence to back their claims.

New Zealand company Windflow's noise-plagued two-bladed turbine and hollow tower (most modern turbines use three blades and a lattice construction tower) appears to put "revolutionary" design ahead of practical considerations. Meanwhile, Green party leader Jeanette Fitzsimons' claim that "people didn't tend to choose to live" in high wind situations ignores the plight previously brought to her attention of the Banks Peninsula community who have had to live with Windflow's turbine noise which is considered unacceptable up to three kilometres away even out of direct line of sight. (Windflow's own website says most modern turbines are inaudible at three hundred metres). Perhaps the Green party's financial investment in Windflow is clouding Ms Fitzsimons' judgment?

A recent New Scientist article stated,"Two-blade rotors suffer harmonic problems, dangerous vibrations at certain resonant speeds .... Three-bladed rotors are the ideal choice.They are well-balanced, aesthetically pleasing and offer a high enough speed of rotation".

If Windflow can't get it right on the audible noise levels and
dismiss out-of-hand the effects of low-frequency (inaudible) noise it would seem that producing a "revolutionary" design is taking precedence over all else - not a good move for a supposed leader in wind energy technology.

Ph. 03 7686112 David Tranter Clifton Road, Omoto Valley, Via Greymouth.

ENDS

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