OrionWorks wrote:
I can't help but wonder if the new spiral shaped wind turbines recently
brought to our attention like the ones RC Macaulay showed us at:
http://www.windside.com/index.html
I wouldn't know . . . but from what I have seen many serious accidents are
caused by towers collapsing and by electric fires. Both would happen with
the spiral turbines. I suppose the only common accident that would not
occur would be falling turbine blades.
Despite these accidents, wind power remains one of the safest ways to
generate electricity yet invented, according to EPRI. Safety is measured in
injuries and fatalities per kilowatt-hour. You have to look at the big
picture and include things like mining accidents (for coal), refinery fires
(for oil), and accidents at the turbine factory (for wind). I think EPRI
said the largest cause of death with wind is falling from towers during the
construction phase. Modern towers are huge and people seldom have to go
outside them once they are erected. The electric generators are serviced
inside the building.
- Jed
