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wildgarlic

Turbines' impact on birds probed

Quote:
Turbines' impact on birds probed


The impact small wind turbines placed on homes and business could have on birds and bats is to be studied by researchers at Stirling University.

The study will look at the number of the animals killed by micro-turbines, why they may fly towards the machines and possible effects on nesting.

Species which may be affected include those that take insects from the air, such as swifts and house martins.

Those that nest in buildings, such as starlings, could also be in danger.


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Martin

This all rather reeks of the "let's get loads of grant money to investigate aspects of roof-mounted chocolate teapots" scam.
They don't work, they are a con - Warwick Wind Trials tests have confirmed what all the experts have been saying for years - several laws of physics say that they can't possibly work, even B&Q have removed them from their shelves, yet there are still those conning government grant-money for work with them......
Generally, larger wind turbines are not massive wildlife murderers - there was a case where some were sited slap-bang across a migration route valley in the States where there were a lot of losses, but generally there's no more reason that they should fly into them than trees.
As for roof-mounted ones being a danger - possibly, they tend to be "hidden" at low level below gables where they may catch unsuspecting wildlife - but as  for them being a widespread menace, I really can't see it - they don't work, and cannot see there being much further takeup!
IainC

Martin wrote:
This all rather reeks of the "let's get loads of grant money to investigate aspects of roof-mounted chocolate teapots" scam.
They don't work, they are a con - Warwick Wind Trials tests have confirmed what all the experts have been saying for years - several laws of physics say that they can't possibly work, even B&Q have removed them from their shelves, yet there are still those conning government grant-money for work with them......
Generally, larger wind turbines are not massive wildlife murderers - there was a case where some were sited slap-bang across a migration route valley in the States where there were a lot of losses, but generally there's no more reason that they should fly into them than trees.
As for roof-mounted ones being a danger - possibly, they tend to be "hidden" at low level below gables where they may catch unsuspecting wildlife - but as  for them being a widespread menace, I really can't see it - they don't work, and cannot see there being much further takeup!


Actually, I think they DO work, but only in certain cases/areas, and certainly not the roof mounted ones that B&Q were selling either

I'd imagine with the amount of wind we get at ours, a small turbine could be used to provide a good amount of energy, we'd still need more than it could generate but it would be able to provide enough for lighting, etc easily enough.
Martin

Roof mounted ones DON'T WORK - the windspeed is too low and turbulent over a roof
BUT (and this is one of the reasons I got so cross with the roof-mounted chocolate teapot mafia), small wind turbines if correctly sited (on a proper tower) in a suitable spot can be excellent gatherers of renewable energy - the perpetrators of the teapot con have done the wind industry a great disservice by their heartless con - it means that perfectly good turbines get a bad name "by association"
Chalk and cheese job!
IainC

Martin wrote:
Roof mounted ones DON'T WORK - the windspeed is too low and turbulent over a roof
BUT (and this is one of the reasons I got so cross with the roof-mounted chocolate teapot mafia), small wind turbines if correctly sited (on a proper tower) in a suitable spot can be excellent gatherers of renewable energy - the perpetrators of the teapot con have done the wind industry a great disservice by their heartless con - it means that perfectly good turbines get a bad name "by association"
Chalk and cheese job!


Yeah, that's what I was meaning. Wouldn't fit one to the roof due to the noise/vibration issues as much as the fact it's not an ideal site for them.
wildgarlic

I had a feeling that this might raise some 'chocolate teapot' discussion
IainC

wildgarlic wrote:
I had a feeling that this might raise some 'chocolate teapot' discussion


Actually... I know quite a few lassies who would probably love chocolate teapots... would combine their two loves
Martin

Sorry! - red rag to this particular bull!
I think it's about time I applied brain and produced a "top ten green scams" list - in the meantime - number one, by a million miles are roof-mounted choccy teapots!
IainC

Martin wrote:
Sorry! - red rag to this particular bull!
I think it's about time I applied brain and produced a "top ten green scams" list - in the meantime - number one, by a million miles are roof-mounted choccy teapots!


What I really want to know is, what can I use to fix this to the roof in the first place?

Do you try and melt it slightly and hope it dries/sets and holds itself in place that way?



Martin

it'd probably produce as much power as a Swindlesave!
IainC



The main thing (regardless of the amount of power they may have produced) was that in the event of a power cut, they didn't give you any energy anyway (which is the main time you'd want other sources providing you energy), so IMO they were a complete waste before you even got into the arguments about how much/little they'd actually provide.
Maria

Thanks IainC...hee hee...never seen a choc teapot before!

I'll heed the warnings...and when I'm in a position to get a turbine won't be sticking one of these on the roof.  
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