An Oklahoma Wind Farm  (February 2007)

The wind blows almost constantly in Southwestern Oklahoma, just as it does on the coast of Belize. (See a description of that constant wind here.)

This wind farm stretches for 20 miles or so along a ridge where it catches the wind.  Here is a picture which catches the effect. For those who might worry about the wnd, I will tell you that the turbines make less noise than the wind in the trees.  It is eerie to see them turning, and hear nothing at all!  (People on Cape Cod complained about the noise...must have been an earlier model.) 

These propellers are all turning, of course, at different rates of speed, and you can't see that in the picture.  But in my mind's eye, I can see a long line of these, stretching along the Belizean coast, providing all the electric power we will need for centuries!

Below, here's one of the turbines, up close. 

Here's what one guy in the area writes.

These General Electric,1.5 megawatt turbines stand 80 meters tall (approx. 262 feet), at the hub...with three blades, 126 feet long. The concrete foundation is 33 to 35 feet deep with embedded bolts, forming a base of 14 feet in diameter with the collection system underground. (I'm told, it takes between 75 and 80 yards of concrete for each foundation.) The minimum wind speed to produce electricity is 8mph with the optimum speed being 25 - 35mph. The turbines automatically shut down at 56mph but are said to be able to withstand up to 300mph winds.".

Here are some interesting statistics which compare the performance of the wind farm with the performance of a lake and hydroelectric damn in the same area. This is also an interesting link to explore.  http://www.ocgi.okstate.edu/owpi/

The wind farm produces more power, more dependably.  You see -- you can't count on the rain!  True in Oklahoma, as well as Belize.  

Cost:  Each turbine, installed, costs about a million dollars.  Generates about 1.6 megawatts.  Belize consumes about 65 megawatts a day.  This windfarm currently generates about 75 mw per day.

Objections:  Look here to see a set of ten objections systematically demolished. 

If you disagree, write me. 

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