A baseline climatological and biological survey of the ERDA/NASA 100 kW Experimental Wind Turbine site near Sandusky, Ohio, provides input to a follow-on field program designed to provide quantification of the operational effects of the 100 kW wind energy system on the environment which is developed and currently being undertaken. The operation of wind energy conversion systems does not appear to involve any unusual environment effects. Land requirements are minimal and compatible with many other land =, As presently conceived, wind energy systems will produce no significant thermal or chemical effluents. This biophysical impact assessment explores the environmental consequences of the emerging wind energy conversion technology through field studies done at the DOE/NASA 100-kW Experimental Wind Turbine located at NASA Lewis Research Center's Plum Brook Station near Sandusky, Ohio. A micrometeorological field program monitored changes in the downwind wake of the wind turbine. Horizontal and/or vertical measurements of wind speed, temperature, carbon dioxide concentration, precipitation, and incident solar radiation showed measurable variation within the wake only for precipitation and wind speed. The changes were minor and not likely to result in any secondary effects to vegetation, including crops, because they are more » within the natural range of variability in the site environment. The wind turbine has not proved to be a high risk to airborne fauna, including the most vulnerable night-migrating songbirds.Įffects are negligible beyond the physically altered area of the tower pad, access, and control structures.
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