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Post by beachhouse on Sept 12, 2013 18:06:18 GMT 10
Hi All,
this is a bit far fetched, but then why not explore it:
If we were to build, as a community, a wind mill on top of the island, extending beyond the tree tops (obviously), we could either complement our electricity needs or perhaps even meet them. Over time that's a great way to be environmentally sustainable AND saving money! Plus, the wind mill would be quite a symbol visible from on-shore. A bit of a statement! Tony Abbott's 'Direct Action' should support it!
Looking forward to hearing your comments!
Andrea Janssen
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hubert
New Member
Posts: 16 
Do you live on Scotland Island?: Yes
Do you own property on the Island?: Yes
Your age group: 40 - 59
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Post by hubert on Sept 14, 2013 10:14:37 GMT 10
In principle a good idea, but I suggest we do some quick calculations to find out if this idea has merit economically.
The average power consumption per household in Sydney is 11.6 kWh per day (Ausgrid 2012 statistics). Assuming we have 350 households, we would need 4060 kWh per day.
If the wind turbine would need to provide all the power we need,we would need to calculate how big a wind turbine we would need to provide this amount of energy. As wind is not constant the turbine should be able to provide more power than we need at any point in time so that we can sell energy to the grid when there is a lot of wind and buy energy from the grid when there isn't enough wind. When you know this, you will be able to find out how much such a wind turbine would cost to purchase, install and maintain.
You could choose to work the other way around and look at turbines of different capacities and costs and work out which size could be economical for the island.
Alternatively, we could look at solar panels instead or a combination of the two.
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Post by beachhouse on Sept 25, 2013 11:38:29 GMT 10
Hi Hubert,
that was a very informative reply! Do you know anything about wind turbines/ sustainable energy production? I just like the idea, no prior knowledge, unfortunately.
I agree, we need as back up at least as much solar as people can afford and rather produce an overcapacity, than under.
Any idea who knows about the amount of wind we could expect up there? Being close to the ocean and high up should be advantageous.
Just had a quick check on the internet. I probably am completely wrong, but for arguments sake this is what I deducted:
4MW/ day = 167KW/ hr. Assuming 25% capacity (no idea whether I got that part right!) the means we need about 700-800KW turbine. The in turn would normally cost in the region of A$ 700-800k (plus local transport issues etc). It would be about 50m high, well above the tree line.
I have no idea what kind of wind class we are here, nor any other aspects, but so far the 'calcs' seem not too outrageous. Surely must be a hell of a lot more complicated...
Are you interested in looking into this with me and whoever wants to join?
Andrea
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hubert
New Member
Posts: 16
Do you live on Scotland Island?: Yes
Do you own property on the Island?: Yes
Your age group: 40 - 59
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Post by hubert on Sept 25, 2013 19:55:23 GMT 10
Andrea, we would need to find out what the wind conditions are over time. Nothing useful on BOM on the Internet as far as I can see.
I wonder of there is anyone in our community who works in this type of field and may be able to help to put us in touch with the right people.
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Post by beachhouse on Sept 26, 2013 8:09:09 GMT 10
Morning Hubert,
the right person would be indeed be a great help! Do you remember who tried to organise the solar panels a couple of years ago? They might know a bit more.
My biggest mental hurdle - besides the inevitable objections about the 'noise', 'birds' and 'change', is how to get such a big structure to the top of the island. The roads aren't particularly easy and comfortable to drive, let alone 'built' for the weight, I guess.
But then I guess I jump a bit ahead...and as I always say to my girls:'for every problem there is a solution'.
Andrea
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