Insects against wind farms

2001/09/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Energia

According to a study conducted jointly by the Netherlands Energy Center and the Danish company Micon dedicated to the manufacture of turbines, flying insects reduce the efficiency of wind turbines. Bees, butterflies, mosquitoes, otis and other insects collide against the arms of wind turbines, where they are stuck.

Little by little, the dead insects form a steep crust on the main edge of the arms, that is, on the edge that cuts the air, which modifies the aerodynamic characteristics of the arms and reduces the efficiency of the turbine. To solve the problem, engineers have started using surfaces that prevent insects from sticking to their arms. The problem is the cost of these materials, as wind turbines must compete in the market with conventional energy sources.