Where should I build my wind farm?

Question

I don't mean as in which state or anything. I mean what conditions should I look out for when I'm building it. Like, should I be concerned about earthquakes? Should I decide what kind of land I should build it on? Should it be near something?

Answer 1

In a very windy spot

Answer 2

First you need to build it where the wind blows, preferably constantly. Some of the wind turbines will produce electricity at sustained wind speeds of 7 mph or less ( and that number is at least several years old.) You also need to build it close to existing collection facilities so you can sell the power you produce.

Answer 3

You need to consider the proximity to heavily populated areas. You have to have someone to sell your energy to.

Of course you should consider earthquakes, but many of the 'windier' areas will be farther away from frequent earthquake zones by nature.

It would be sensible to build on solid ground versus sandy or gravely. (and I'm not talking about the surface layers)

The more solid the ground beneath, the less damage seismic activity will cause, if and/or when it occurs.

Answer 4

Maybe on top of a mountain. because of the constant wind and less chance of profanity from typical city crouds. I would try and stay away from the san andreas fault because of the violent earthquakes. but in eastern US would be perfect ex. blur ridge mountains Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina. Even In Georiga has good altitude. I know this because My family owns a home on top of a mountain in PA and EVERY day it is windy.

Answer 5

You should be able to find plenty of www resources to answer your question if you do a search on wind farm siting.

Here are a few:
http://www.awea.org/pubs/factsheets/10stwf_fs.PDF

http://www.windenergy.org.nz/documents/2005/050825-NZWEA-FactSheet5Siting.pdf

http://www.auswea.com.au/WIDP/assets/BP5_Siting.pdf

Some factors that regulators consider before approving a permit for a wind farm:

http://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/SITING/standards.shtml

You can access wind speed maps at:

http://www.awstruewind.com/inner/windmaps/windmaps.htm

Answer 6

Not to be silly, but you should build it where you know there will be wind.

Answer 7

Anywhere but underwater