Study finds that micro wind turbines need to be installed & sited effectively to produce significant energy
A study looking at the performance of microwind turbines installed on buildings reports that this microgeneration technology can only deliver significant amounts of energy at “the most exposed sites and tallest buildings”. These findings however, have been strongly contested by the British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) which argues that improviing industry practice is ensuring turbines are installed, sited and operated more effectively.
The Warwick Wind Trials Project – funded by Pilkington Energy Efficiency Trust and BRE Trust – was undertaken by renewables consultancy Encraft which analysed 168,950 hours of operation of 26 building mounted wind turbines between 2007 and 2008. Researchers said that microwind facilities could perform effectively on exposed sites and on some tall buildings, but on other sites they performed well below expectations. The 'Poorest' sites barely covered energy consumed.
The best site in the trial generated an average of 2.382 kWh per day when in operation, but the poorest site only generated an average of 41Wh per day which is only enough to cover half the energy consumed by the turbines electronics.
The report said: “Overall the trial has painted a picture of an industry and technology that is still at development stage and is likely to make a tangible contribution to energy and carbon saving only on the most exposed sites and tallest buildings.The combination of this reality, aggressive and over optimistic marketing by some suppliers and the enthusiasm and credulity of the market (and regulators) has potentially led to an unfortunate outcome where the wind industry as a whole is in danger of suffering from a setback in credibility.” Encraft said wind speed and power curve data available to predict performance was “not very accurate”. The report said: “Using unmodified wind speed data by postcode from the NOABL model and manufacturer power curves for turbines can lead to overestimating likely energy output by factors of between 15 and 17. Buyers should beware.” Encraft has been careful to note that the findings cannot be extended to large scale trubines and freestanding wind turbines of any size where "all the evidence is that wind power is an excellent and highly effective choice".
The BWEA argued that Micro wind can deliver if placed at sites with 'good wind speed". They also suggest that the survey was weighted towards sites the industry would normally view as inappropriate. It said only four of the 26 sites where test turbines were placed had an annual average wind speed of over 5 m/s which it said is ”considered a lower limit of commercial viability”. It also stressed that industry standards were improving.
Alex Murley, BWEA Small Systems Manager said: “The results show that turbines need to be placed in environments that offer good wind speeds. The UK is the windiest country in Europe and there are thousands of such sites, many of which have been utilized to good effect and offer owners of small wind systems not just savings on their electricity bills, but an opportunity to export surplus energy to the grid.”
BWEA said wind system installers and small wind system suppliers recommend that on-site wind speed data and careful measurements are taken over a period of time prior to installation. Mr Murley said: "BWEA and the industry has over the last three years developed robust industry standards for both products and installers, to better educate would-be consumers on what the technology can achieve, if sited and installed correctly. "The overwhelming majority of small wind system installations are a success in terms of commercial viability and we have seen annual sector growth of 80 per cent, projected to carry on into 2009 and 2010. The Warwick trials should not be interpreted as demonstrating that wind is not viable. We know that it is, and the experience of thousands of UK users bears this out. "
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British are "bored" with Climate Change
A new energy report suggests that British people are less environmentally conscious than they were five years ago.
4 out of 10 britons take no action at all to reduce their household carbon emissions, and twice as many people are now "bored" by talk of climate change as in 2005. Experts warn that green fatigue is one of the major reasons as to why there are more cars on the roads, more planes in the sky and no reductions in the mountain of packaging waste. The report reveals that too few people are making an effort to reduce their household CO2 emissions and environmentalists believe the recession is further undermining public commitment.
The report, by market researchers Mintel, shows that many of Britain's 26 million homes fail to make simple adjustments such as switching off lights, turning down thermostats, and switching off appliances rather than leaving them on standby. The findings also reveal that people are less willing to spend money on energy-efficient appliances than they were five years ago. Analysts believe the recession together with a backlash against "extreme" environmentalist pressure has reduced people's enthusiasm to combat climate change.
The report also found that resistance to saving the planet was greater among men; one in four said they think there is too much concern over the environment, compared with one in six women.
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More information on the 2016 definition of "Zero Carbon".
Housing Minister, Grant Shapps announced additional information about the new definition of "Zero Carbon".
The Government plans to investigate setting up a community energy fund which will be used to pay for district heating and renewable energy schemes.
Developers who pay into the fund will not have to install onsite renewables or microgeneration equipment. Many developers have welcomed the flexibility of paying into a fund rather than grappling with renewables on each site.
However, the full definition of 'zero-carbon' has once again been delayed. This is despite a pre-election promise to get the definition of zero carbon finalised “within weeks” of getting into office.
The new Government Housing Minister has recently announced that the coalition will review the level of on-site renewables required - before publishing the final definition of the standard, which all new homes will have to reach after 2016.
In the announcement, the Minister also re-affirmed his commitment to all new homes being zero-carbon from 2016 and confirmed the introduction of the ‘Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard' which requires a minimum standard in relation to insulation levels and air tightness and thermal bridging in buildings.
Zero carbon is required of all Code for Sustainable Homes level six homes. Clarification of what zero carbon will mean is still to be decided.
If you require assistance with your Code for Sustainable Homes level requirements, contact Ecowise - we are a fully accredited Code for Sustainable Homes assessment organisation.
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Pilot Tidal Energy Scheme for North Wales Coast
Conwy County Borough Council has backed plans for a pilot tidal energy scheme off the North Wales Coast.
The £150 million scheme at Llanddulas in North Wales would provide a testing facility for turbine designers and manufacturers, and assess the environmental impact of turbines.
The project was given approval by the council as part of a strategic regeneration strategy for the Conwy coast, prepared by consultant Capita Symonds.
Paul Terry, Capita Symonds, said: "Tidal power will play a key role in providing a sustainable energy source for future generations. The North Wales coast is an ideal place for such a scheme as it’s blessed with a good tidal range and suitable ocean depth." He added that the project could also help protect the coast from rising sea levels, storm surges and coastal erosion.
The regeneration strategy also calls for seven new visitor centres costing £30m should be built at key locations stretching from Conwy to Rhuddlan. But North Wales Tourism chairman Chris Jackson raised doubts over whether the proposals could realistically be funded in the current economic climate. The council’s approval now means that Capita Symonds will seek funding for feasibility studies and investigations to develop a business case for the scheme.
