Wind Turbine Development Details
Comparison of large-scale to medium-scale wind turbines
Medium sized wind turbines are approximately 35m - 55m to the top of the tower section (or hub) with 15m - 28m blades. This gives an overall height of around 55m - 83m to blade tip when the blade is at its maximum vertical extension; this compares to 120-130m to blade tip for modern large scale commercial sized wind turbines. There are a number of medium sized turbines on the market, however One Wind Renewables is not restricted to any particular turbine manufacturers and will therefore select the most suitable turbine for the site conditions; this ensures that energy yields are maximised. A typical turbine that we would use would be the Enercon E33 or Enercon E48.
Foundations - Single, medium sized wind turbines have a relatively short construction schedule. Concrete foundations are required, however these are below ground and are consequently not visible after construction has been completed. A temporary hard-standing crane pad, consisting of crushed aggregate is also required to ensure construction can be carried out safely. In total the turbine foundation and hard-standing construction area occupy approximately one tenth of an acre. On completion the turbine base is only three metres wide and normal farming practices can continue right up to the wind turbine base.
Tracks- Depending on the location of the turbine on your land, it may be necessary to construct an access track or upgrade existing tracks to allow delivery of the turbine components. Tracks are up to 4m wide and any new track will be made of crushed aggregate. The location of tracks will be discussed in agreement with the landowner and once construction is complete, tracks will be allowed to grass over should the landowner not require their use. Once the turbine components are delivered and site works complete, the wind turbine will be up and running in a couple of days.
Switchgear station - A small on-site switchgear station is required to connect the electricity into the National Grid. The size of the switchgear station is dependent on the requirements of the Distribution Network Operator (DNO). All cables specific to the project will be placed underground approximately 1.5m below the surface.
Operation & Decommissioning - During operation the wind turbine requires infrequent maintenance checks. The turbine is monitored remotely and the maintenance team is automatically alerted if any faults develop. The wind turbine will operate for 20–25 years after which it will be decommissioned and removed from the site. The foundation is removed down to plough depth and the access tracks removed too if they are no longer required by the landowner.
Foundations - Single, medium sized wind turbines have a relatively short construction schedule. Concrete foundations are required, however these are below ground and are consequently not visible after construction has been completed. A temporary hard-standing crane pad, consisting of crushed aggregate is also required to ensure construction can be carried out safely. In total the turbine foundation and hard-standing construction area occupy approximately one tenth of an acre. On completion the turbine base is only three metres wide and normal farming practices can continue right up to the wind turbine base.
Tracks- Depending on the location of the turbine on your land, it may be necessary to construct an access track or upgrade existing tracks to allow delivery of the turbine components. Tracks are up to 4m wide and any new track will be made of crushed aggregate. The location of tracks will be discussed in agreement with the landowner and once construction is complete, tracks will be allowed to grass over should the landowner not require their use. Once the turbine components are delivered and site works complete, the wind turbine will be up and running in a couple of days.
Switchgear station - A small on-site switchgear station is required to connect the electricity into the National Grid. The size of the switchgear station is dependent on the requirements of the Distribution Network Operator (DNO). All cables specific to the project will be placed underground approximately 1.5m below the surface.
Operation & Decommissioning - During operation the wind turbine requires infrequent maintenance checks. The turbine is monitored remotely and the maintenance team is automatically alerted if any faults develop. The wind turbine will operate for 20–25 years after which it will be decommissioned and removed from the site. The foundation is removed down to plough depth and the access tracks removed too if they are no longer required by the landowner.
