subject: What Are The Visual Impacts Of Wind Farms? [print this page] Wind turbines used for large scale wind farms are grand and large scale structures. The towers run from around 50 meters to 90 meters high and the blades have roughly the same diameter. Therefore, their total size from the tower base to the tip of the rotors could add up to several hundred feet. Newer and larger rotors are being developed which are basically used for utility size wind farms. Turbines for private households, small scale businesses, or private farming are much smaller in size, running up to 40 meters in height and a maximum of 8 meters in rotor diameter. Although these structures would not blend into certain areas, they do not necessarily have to have a jarring visual effect on the surroundings.
Wind power projects make a powerful visual statement and dramatically alter the visual images of its location and surrounding areas. Taller and bigger turbines tend to be more productive and combined with the huge sweeping motions of the blades, there is no shying away from the sheer size of these installations. Often located on the highest areas within the terrain, they can often be seen from miles away. Also, the Federal Aviation Administration stipulates the usage of strobe lights or red lights to light up the turbines at night. Engineers and designers need to keep these issues in mind and make the blend as harmonious as possible with the surrounding terrain. Nowadays, a realistic computer and digital simulation can be used in order to plan the outlay of a wind farm. Images can be viewed from different perspectives and angles to decipher views depending on the geographical conditions, making it as realistic as possible. This can help wind farm designers to make the project as strategic and aesthetic as possible without compromising on its output and productivity. As compared to a sporadic collection, a clean, systematic, and consistent wind turbine layout is a lot more pleasing to the eye and does not negate its functionality.
Wind farms serve as an important attraction for the public and can be used as a highly effective educational tool. They can be highlighted by allowing the public to get a closer look in order to understand the importance and benefits of wind energy. Various viewing points can be constructed to allow the public to have a clear view without any obstructions from the surrounding areas and detailed information can be provided. This will definitely help people appreciate wind farms for what they are, an operation to generate power for a greener, cleaner future, rather than just mechanical additions to the landscape.
