Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Regardless of the above effects, fires of electrical components (including ca-
bles) may release limited amounts of substances to the environment. However,
substance release is not specific for wind power converters and can also be ob-
served for other kinds of power plants. Furthermore, such occurrences can easily
be avoided if the relevant guidelines are adhered to.
Also mechanical failure (such as rotor fracture) may damage vegetation (e.g.
turf). However, if the prescribed safety distances to residential areas are observed,
the risk of human injury in case of mechanical failure is very low, as rotor frac-
tures tend to occur during storms when personal damages are unlikely.
End of operation.
Wind turbines mainly consist of metallic materials which are
disposed of in compliance with established procedures. However, disposal of the
rotor blades consisting of glass reinforced plastic (GRP) is still unsettled. Mate-
rial-thermal disposal seems most appropriate. However, it is assumed that many
turbine components may be recycled. Recycling involves all related environ-
mental effects or avoids the described environmental effects, if manufacturing of
new material is avoided.
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