The meaning of take the wind out of my sails is to make someone feel less confident or less determined to do something. But could this be literally true?
Apparently, UK wind farm bosses have objected to a rival wind turbine operation built next door in case it steals their wind.
This reminds me of the worry back in the seventies. If too many people used solar power, there would be none left.
The owners of a wind farm in Cumbria have objected to rivals building three 360ft tall turbines nearby. They claim the plans could take the wind out of their sails, hampering electricity output.
Is this the first time wind theft has been cited as a reason not to build a new turbine farm? In the letter from Broadview Energy Ltd, the agent said, "There has been no attempt to measure or predict whether there would be any reduction in energy production... even though a reduction in output is virtually guaranteed." The letter goes on to state the new wind farm "will result" in lower energy production at both sites, while it also raises fears over the cumulative noise impact on the area.
The recently revealed number of wind turbines in Scotland has doubled over the past year, with nearly 5,000 across the country. Figures show 4,519 turbines have been approved, built or are under construction, despite green energy targets already being met.
Apparently, UK wind farm bosses have objected to a rival wind turbine operation built next door in case it steals their wind.
This reminds me of the worry back in the seventies. If too many people used solar power, there would be none left.
The owners of a wind farm in Cumbria have objected to rivals building three 360ft tall turbines nearby. They claim the plans could take the wind out of their sails, hampering electricity output.
Is this the first time wind theft has been cited as a reason not to build a new turbine farm? In the letter from Broadview Energy Ltd, the agent said, "There has been no attempt to measure or predict whether there would be any reduction in energy production... even though a reduction in output is virtually guaranteed." The letter goes on to state the new wind farm "will result" in lower energy production at both sites, while it also raises fears over the cumulative noise impact on the area.
The recently revealed number of wind turbines in Scotland has doubled over the past year, with nearly 5,000 across the country. Figures show 4,519 turbines have been approved, built or are under construction, despite green energy targets already being met.
Okay, I'm not a scientist. But I like to work these things out. Imagine a strong wind blowing toward a forest. The trees direct the air to pass above. I can't see the wind being diminished by the obstruction. The same thing happens when you build a high fence. The wind goes up and over, creating a swirl on the other side.
So what makes wind? As the sun warms the Earth's surface, the atmosphere warms too. Warm air, which weighs less than cold air, rises. Then cool air moves in and replaces the rising warm air. This movement of air is what makes the wind blow. The greater the difference in pressure, the faster the wind will blow.
What makes wind stop blowing? At night when convective mixing has stopped, the surface wind can slow considerably, or even stop altogether when the pressure has been equalized. I guess if the temperature above and below remains constant, the wind keeps blowing.
Do you think wind turbines on one farm can absorb all the wind before reaching another area?
So what makes wind? As the sun warms the Earth's surface, the atmosphere warms too. Warm air, which weighs less than cold air, rises. Then cool air moves in and replaces the rising warm air. This movement of air is what makes the wind blow. The greater the difference in pressure, the faster the wind will blow.
What makes wind stop blowing? At night when convective mixing has stopped, the surface wind can slow considerably, or even stop altogether when the pressure has been equalized. I guess if the temperature above and below remains constant, the wind keeps blowing.
Do you think wind turbines on one farm can absorb all the wind before reaching another area?
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