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Re: [Phys-l] global temperatures -- a modest proposal



At 14:42 -0400 04/07/2009, LaMontagne, Bob wrote:

President Obama's Secretary of the Interior announced today that the use
of wind energy on the east coast could replace all the coal powered
electrical power plants in the US. When asked how many windmills would
be required he said "I haven't done the calculation yet". Good grief!

Obviously that answer depends on what size wind turbines will be used, how much space is available and how close to shore they can be placed. His statement obviously spoke to the wind potential in that area, and it is certainly true that there is more than enough wind power potential to provide the electrical needs of New England, but how it is to be done is a complex issue with scientific, engineering, aesthetic and political ramifications, as you pointed out, although I think Ted Kennedy can be brought around, and I thought I'd heard that a judge had already overruled Ted's objections and the plans for the Cape Cod wind farm were going forward.

As with everywhere, there are potential problems with offshore wind farms in that area, primarily because of the weather. I don't have a good feel for how large wind turbines (5 MW and up) handle gale force winds or higher, but if they are going to have to be replaced too often due to wind damage, that makes New England offshore electricity less attractive. The same problem exists on the mid-Atlantic coasts due to hurricanes.

I doubt anyone has done the calculations yet.

Hugh
--
Hugh Haskell
mailto:hugh@ieer.org
mailto:hhaskell@mindspring,.com

So-called "global warming" is just a secret ploy by wacko tree-huggers to make America energy independent, clean our air and water, improve the fuel efficiency of our vehicles, kick-start 21st-century industries, and make our cities safer. Don't let them get away with it!!

Chip Giller, Founder, Grist.org