Potential of Europe

PART 2

• Read the texts below. Think of your own title for the first text. Give the main ideas of the texts.

Unit 8. Wind Energy

Wind turbines are now a relatively common sight across Europe, with countries such as Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany, UK, Spain and latterly France, all investing in wind farms. Offshore wind development, although far less advanced, is the greatest prize in this field. However, relative costs of offshore compared to onshore' are higher.

This project is aimed to demonstrate the economic as well as tech­nical viability of offshore wind energy. The former was achieved through the innovative use of a floating jack-up² barge which reduced the time and costs of installation. The latter was achieved mainly through the incorporation of new electronic control systems which improved the compatibility³ with the grid network, and reduced the need for ex­pensive grid strengthening measures.

Aha Mesa Wind Farm

Five turbines were installed, about 4 km off the coast of Gotland. Each turbine is rated at 500 kW. The average annual output is some 8 G Wh/y, from mean wind speeds of 8 m/s. Rock-socketed steel mono-Pile foundations, to water depths of 5 to 6.5 m were used to secure ^lhe turbines. Total construction time was only 35 days. Monitoring of

64 Section I. Power Engineering

Unit 8. Wind Energy

impacts on local flora and fauna, such as the seal population, is also being carried out.

1 — береговой; 2 - самоопрокидывающийся; З — совместимость

Two High-Performance 1 MW Wind l\irbines in Low Speed Areas

Wind energy developments have, in the past, been concentrated in areas of the world which offer higher than average wind speeds. Often, this means that developments take place in remote and/or sensitive areas. A technology which can increase the economic attractiveness of utilizing sites with lower wind speeds would be invaluable (бесцен­ный). This project will design, manufacture, install, test and measure the impact of two 1 MW turbines which have been specially adapted for use in low wind speed areas. The aim is to increase power produc­tion by up to 22%, compared to a standard turbine, mainly through the technological adaptations which allow for an enhanced rotor di- j ameter, with a swept area of 2,830 m², and an increase in tower height from 50 to 70 m. The new turbine is installed at a site in Central Swe-den.

• Answer the questions using the information from the texts above.

1. In what countries are wind turbines a relatively common sight?

2. What is the aim of the project?

3. How many turbines were installed?

4. What was total construction time?

5. What technology would be invaluable?

6. What use have two 1 MW turbines been adapted for?

• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of wind energy. Use the following expres­
sions and structures:

I don't think... I totally disagree...

I don't suppose... I have a firm belief...

I'm sure (certain) that... There is no reason to deny...

It's.../likely, not very like- I'm in complete agreement...
ly, unlikely, possible

JUST FOR FUN • Read and smile. Tell your friend.

Picking Huckleberries ^l

A friend of the family went camping not too long ago. The mountains of Idaho, Washington and Montana are filled with huckleberries this time of year, so she was told to bring something to collect the fruit in. She brought the vacuum sweeper. When asked what she was going to plug²it into, she answered, "A current bush."

Jan Kucera. G. Westinghouse History

1 - черника; 2 - включать

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^Ш Unit 9 ^Ш FOSSIL FUELS

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