Camilty Wind Farm - Partnerships for Renewables

Camilty Wind Farm
Technical Criteria
3.4.2 A number of technical considerations are key to the site design process from the initial
design, feeding through to the final design. These are set out below:
• The NOABL UK Wind Speed Database confirmed that the wind speed on the site at a
height of 80 m averaged at approximately 8.31 m/s, which is considered favourable in
terms of locating a proposed wind farm.
• There is a temporary anemometry mast currently installed on the site which has been
monitoring wind speed from March 2012. The data has confirmed suitable wind
speeds for locating a wind farm.
• Considering the proposed location and specification of turbines must also take into
account the height at which each will sit as, the higher the turbine, the higher the
power output.
• Optimising the layout to maximise the energy extraction from the wind is an important
consideration. This is largely achieved by placing turbines at minimum distances
apart in order to ensure adequate wind flow around turbines, minimise losses and
avoid excessive wear and tear on the machinery. The prevailing wind direction is
used to align the orientation of the turbines. An elliptical airflow buffer is placed
around each proposed turbine equivalent to six times the rotor diameter in the down
wind direction and four times the rotor diameter in the crosswind direction based on
the assumed worst-case turbine rotor diameter of 104 m (52 m blade length). Overlap
of these ellipses was minimised to ensure maximum output from the turbines.
• A key consideration when siting turbines is the steepness of the terrain on site. This
affects not only the turbine siting but also the design of access tracks between the
turbine locations. It is therefore important to consider this factor for reasons of health
and safety and viability of the development in terms of construction and operation.
• Complying with likely noise limits and protecting the noise amenity of residential
properties.
• Potential impacts of shadow flicker on residential and other properties.
• Avoiding radar visibility and any potential influence on aviation safety.
• Avoiding interference with telecommunication links and existing service infrastructure.
Environmental Criteria
3.4.3 The following environmental considerations are also taken into account in the design
process:
• Existing land uses;
• Avoiding designated nature conservation sites and minimising impacts on areas of
ecological value;
• Minimising impacts on areas of ornithological value;
• Avoiding designated sites of archaeological importance and minimise impacts on
areas of undesignated archaeological interest and areas with archaeological potential;
• Minimising direct and indirect impacts on surface and groundwater resources and
features; and
March 2013 3-5 ES Chapter 3
Design Evolution
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