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Wind
Energy - Disadvantages
• Aesthetically
disturbing. Some people
just don't like the look of giant
whirling blades structures outside their window. A number
of companies are working on solving this problem. Check
out Underwater Wind Power and Floating Air Turbines.
 A
company called Verdant Power came up with an idea of
placing wind turbines underwater. This new free-flow
hydropower technology utilizes underwater currents to
harvest energy. The advantages are that this system is
out of sight, hidden deep in rivers or oceans. Some
disadvantages could be the cost of installation and
maintenance. Image Sources:
VerdantPower
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An
Ontario-based company is also working to an alternative
approach, by placing "turbines" floating hundreds of
feet high above the ground! This could pose a risk
for airplanes thought, or act as a giant conducting
wire for lightning bolts. Image Source:
Magenn
Company. |
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• Inconstant nature of
the wind. Hey, it might be windy, or not. Who knows.
Constructions companies try to place turbines in the most
windy areas, even though at times, it still might not be
as windy.
• Affects the bird
population. Birds and other flying creatures have
trouble seeing the turbines. Although special coloring
patterns and slower moving blades have reduced this
problem.
• Wind farms generate
noise in quiet, rural sites. Construction companies
tried to solve this by moving the turbines offshore (in
the middle of a lake or a river).
Sources: References 18,
16,
2. |
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