Lynch Knoll Wind Turbine

B101 Coursework Assignment 1

Lynch Knoll Turbine

Sustainable Technology Article
LYNCH KNOLL WIND TURBINE

The Lynch Knoll Wind Turbine situated in Nympsfield, Gloucestershire, owned and maintained by Ecotricity in my opinion is a good example of sustainable technology. The primary objective is to produce electricity in one of the most eco friendly ways. After the initial construction of the turbine, there is no need to use natural resources for any of the operation of the turbine, as any electrical components or equipment can be powered by a small amount of the electricity it produces. In order for the turbine to be erected in Nympsfield, it took three years to gain planning permission even though the impact could have a beneficial effect on the environment and climate change. I plan to investigate if the process of planning permission and the erection of the turbine was really worth it, and if the turbine really does have an effect on the environment. I will try to establish if the making of clean electricity and helping to protect the environment causes problems for society therefore creating other problems. There are issues with local people claiming that even though it produces clean electricity, it produces another form of pollution; noise pollution.

This project can be made relevant to both me personally, and my course of study (Computer Network Management and Design). It affects myself in the respect that we are all leaving a carbon footprint and I feel it is our responsibility as intelligent human beings, to respect the environment and do every little thing possible in everyday life to make a difference. It is also of interest to me as the turbine is a landmark in my small hometown. I personally remember the construction of the turbine in 1996, and the media interest involved. The turbine also has a relevance to my university course as there is a lot of networking involved in the supply of electricity to the 400+ homes it powers, plus the day to day running of the turbine to allow it to be monitored from an off site location. This is mainly controlled by telecommunication systems.

I plan to investigate further about the Lynch Knoll Turbine in several different ways. I plan to actually contact the owners of the turbine and speak to them directly about the turbine. I will speak with them about the amount of pollution they claim to save the environment from each year, and also if the running of turbine is cost effective. I will compare the data they provide me with to that nuclear power. I will use a questionnaire to gather information from Ecotricity via email. I will also try to arrange an interview so i can ask more direct questions and easily expand the questions, which is not possible in the questionnaire. I will try to find out the amount of nuclear waste produced in comparison to the amount of power, and compare it to that of the wind turbine. Independent research will also be carried out by myself to investigate the impact wind turbines have on the local community and also the environment. If there was a need to remove trees or natural habitats for the erection of the turbine, I will investigate to see if they were replaced or moved to a different location.

I will visit the site of the Lynch Knoll Turbine when returning home, and see if I consider the noise created by the turbine to be pollution. Noise pollution is very difficult to measure as any level of noise can be considered pollution if it causes stress, which can lead to illness, or worse. If available I will also ask locals about the noise, but if people are unavailable at the time of visiting I will post a few questions on the Nailsworth forum to find answers and opinions of the local people.
Some of the questions I will ask the local people may include:

Do you believe there is any need for a turbine in Nympsfield?
Has the turbine in your opinion made any difference to the environment?
Would you happy for more turbines to be erected at the site, and why?
Does the turbine produce noise pollution?

Ecotricity
http://www.ecotricity.co.uk

Website of Nailsworth
http://www.nailsworth.com/

BWEA
http://www.britishwindenergy.co.uk/

Sustainable Development Commission
http://www.sd-commission.org.uk/