How Loud Are Wind Turbines Really

How Loud Are Wind Turbines Really

The strong aversion some people feel towards wind turbines often leaves me scratching my head in wonder. Those opposed to wind turbines generally cite a noise factor, but this doesn’t necessarily hold up, as can be seen in the newest ad graphic from GE Global Research which shows the decibel level of a rotating wind turbine is roughly the same if not lower than the average household refrigerator. The same graphic also shows that a window ac, vacuum, blender, and lawnmower all have a decibel level well above that of a wind turbine; the vacuum has nearly twice the decibel level! Also it’s a requirement that wind turbines be placed no closer than three hundred meters away from the nearest residence, nearly a thousand feet. But because the stigma of “noisy wind turbines” seems to be sticking no matter the scientific data offered to the contrary, Australia Renewable Energy Solutions has created the “virtually silent” Eco Whisper wind turbine. Its “silent running” is possible due to the unique design of thirty blades angled outward from the hub and joined by an outer ring. Hopefully, with such designs wind turbines will soon be accepted for the silent, efficient, clean energy generators they are. 

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