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May 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-3146.jec-20-3359
For 5 years, since the start-up of an array of 140 wind turbines, residents have filed complaints with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (the regulator), and K2 Wind (the operator). Residents complained that the turbines produce a tonal sound, and that the irritation this produced impacted their sleep, their health, and the enjoyment of their property. To confirm tonality from the wind turbines, this research examined over 200 data examples from two families. These families collected data by two independent methods, a continuously recording system, and by making selected audio recordings. The recorded data was correlated with the wind turbine operational performance, and local weather conditions. The correlated data was analyzed for tonality using international standard evaluation methods. The analysis confirmed over 84% correlation between complaints of irritating conditions, and tonality from 5 dB to over 20 dB. Finally, the results showed that the assumption of the regulator to only require assessment of compliance when the resident was downwind of the nearest wind turbine was incorrect. Most complaints arose from other wind directions. Neither was the regulator’s assumption correct that curtailing the wind turbine operation to continue operating at only partially reduced outputs would give remediation. The research concludes that tonality arises consistent with the wind turbine operation, identifying a critical need to revise the practices to prevent chronic irritation. In the original issuance of this paper, the author inadvertently erred by stating that there was a difference between the method for assessing wind turbine tonality of an expert group panel and the method now prescribed by regulations. That statement was incorrect, and the author apologizes for the error and for any confusion it may have caused. The error, miscalculations resulting from the error, where necessary conclusions drawn from erroneous calculations are corrected.
Nov 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-3146.jec-18-2416
Wind turbines are often perceived as benign. This can be attributed to the population majority dwelling in urban locations distant from most wind turbines. Society may understate the risk to individuals living near turbines due to an overstatement of the perceived benefits of turbines, and an understatement of the risk of injury from falling turbine parts, or shed ice. Flaws in risk calculation may be attributed to a less than fully developed safety culture. Indications of this are the lack of a comprehensive industry failure database, and safety limits enabling the industry growth, but not protective of the public. A comprehensive study of wind turbine failures and risks in the Canadian province of Ontario gives data to enable validation of existing failure models. Failure probabilities are calculated, to show risk on personal property, or in public spaces. Repeated failures, and inadequate safety separation show public safety is not currently assured. A method of calculating setbacks from wind turbines to mitigate public risk is shown. Wind turbines with inadequate setbacks can adversely impact public health both directly from physical risk and indirectly by irritation from loss of safe use of property. Physical public safety setbacks are separate from larger setbacks required to prevent irritation from noise and other stressors, particularly when applied to areas of learning, rest and recuperation. The insights provided by this paper can assist the industry to enhance its image and improve its operation, as well as helping regulators set safety guidelines assuring protection of the public.
Oct 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-3146.jec-19-2977
The effects of global warming have been causing irreversible damage to the Earth over the past decades. One way we can reduce our individual impact on the environment is to focus on the production and consumption of Eco‐friendly sources of electricity such as solar, wind, or bio-electric energy. Based on the current available and suitable energy options, we have proposed to modify a chosen house from Northern Wisconsin by using a hybrid system including solar energy and wind turbine energy to replace the traditional power grid. Considering sunlight‐time, wind speed in Northern Wisconsin, we have predicted the immediate and long‐term fiscal and environmental impacts. From this cost‐benefit analysis, we project that the best hybrid option is a combination of 95% solar power and 5% wind energy, which would save about $41,000 over the next 30 years.