Discuss Safety in wind energy

In the nearest
future, wind power is likely to be a major contributor towards renewable energy
targets (Scottish Planning Policy). However turbine fire, blade snapping due to
lightening, ice pile-up on blades, noise issues, ecology impact, aviation,
shadows flickering are major showstoppers and setbacks to this renewable energy
option. Making wind safety entails a lot and they include the following

·        
A standard safety
zone should be especially in residential and playing grounds to prohibit
children from standing and houses from been erected (Ragheb M). Light
flickering which could lead to partial blindness is also an issue, arises when
strobes which are reflections from sun rays from turbine blade reflect towards
viewer. Wind farms should be prohibited as areas for sight-seeing (Bombace G)

·        
Regulations such as
the testing of turbine blades before installation should be made mandatory;
this will make the system more reliable and reduce snapping especially during
wind.

·        
Lighting Protection
Safety and Icing Shedding mechanism: Most wind turbine are sited on hill head
and troughs, thus making them prone to strikes and pathway for electricity to
the earth (Ragheb M, Safety of Wind Systems, 2012), to reduce this special design
standards me adopted in blade production such as the use of composite
materials, proper earthing of the turbine nacelle and the use of metal oxide
arrestors

·        
Peculiar site characteristics:
Wind Energy sources should be sited away from eruption prone and topographically
unstable areas.

References:

Ragheb M, (2012), Safety of Wind Systems

Bombace, G, (1997). Protection of Biological Habitats by Artificial
Reefs. In A.C. (ed) European,

Scottish Planning Policy, (March 2007)