Loading...
Staff ReportsCITY OF SHOREWOOD 5755 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD • SHOREWOOD, MINNESOTA 55331-8927 • (952) 960-7900 FAX (952) 474-0128 • www.d.shorewood.mmus • cltyhall0d.shorewood.mmus MEMORANDUM TO: Planning Commission, Mayor and City Council FROM: Brad Nielsen DATE: 28 March 2013 RE: Zoning Code Review— Wind Generators FILE NO. Zoning (Section 1201.03) As the Planning Commission reviewed the General Provisions section of the Zoning Code over the past several months, one of the items identified for future study was wind generators (aka, wind mills, wind turbines, etc.). When the Planning Commission reviewed its 2013 Work Program, the Council suggested that solar energy be addressed as well. Since wind equipment is anticipated to involve more issues, we will begin with that. Staff has compiled some background information that may be useful as we start our review of this topic. As you can imagine, the internet is chock full of information on wind energy. The material we provide is by no means exhaustive and we encourage you to explore and share material you may come across. It is worth noting that this is not a new topic — many cities have adopted zoning regulations, some of which are intended to encourage, some to prohibit wind generators. The common term for the equipment in question is "wind energy conversion systems", or WECS. To start, we have attached a couple of cases close to home. Exhibit A is an article talking about current litigation in Orono. In that case, the property owner was not given a permit because the code simply didn't address it. The most recent action by the court is to direct the City to at least review the request, which is apparently now underway. Exhibits B and C tell of Medina's moratorium on WECS. In that case, the City has now adopted provisions that allow WECS in rural areas (20+ acres). The remainder of the exhibits, D-I, are from a website called Wind Turbines Now (see windturbinesnow.com), and are intended to provide additional background on wind energy. Staff continues to gather information for you to consider. We intend, for example, to provide a list or matrix of what other cities, particularly those around Lake Minnetonka, are doing with respect to wind energy systems. Cc: Bill Joynes Tim Keane Paul Hornby Larry Brown h C •PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER Court rules in favor of Orono wind turbine I The Laker & The PioneerThe Laker & The Pi... Page 1 of 2 One browser for your laptop, phone and tablet. I vA _veft P VA ,WAM : _=� oneet Home News Sports Schools Columns & Opinion Community Classifieds Public Notices Court rules in favor of Orono wind turbine By Amanda Schwarze on November 2, 2012 at 2:30 pm Lkt 0 ,weer 0 Print Email The Minnesota Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of an Orono couple seeking to install a wind turbine on their property. The dispute between Jay and Kendall Nygard and the city of Orono over the turbine began in the fall of 2010. Jay Nygard applied for a building permit to construct a 21-foot vertical axis wind turbine on his property on Rest Point Road, which was subsequently denied by city officials. In the permit denial, city officials noted After about two years of legal proceedings, the that wind generators are not listed in the Minnesota Court of Appeals has ruled that the dry of Orono codebook as a permitted, Omno must again review Jay and Kendall Nygard's accessory use in the city and therefore building permit application to install a wind turbine. (File they are not allowed. In December of Photo) 2010, Orono Planning and Zoning Coordinator Melanie Curtis said that city officials had no way to permit something that isn't laid out in the city's code. Jay Nygard, a former Orono City Councilor and Planning Commissioner, disagreed with city staffs assessment. He said that there was no city code to control wind turbines and that there was nothing written in code that said he could not install one. After receiving the denial, Jay Nygard installed the buried four -foot footing for the turbine. A neighbor complained to the city and in mid -November of 2010 he received a stop -work order from the city. Jay Nygard was told to stop performing un-permitted work and to remove any work that had already been completed. The city eventually filed a lawsuit against the Nygards in March of 2011 after Jay Nygard had installed the wind turbine pole and shortly thereafter the wind turbine itself. Search... ovnnloatl Nov The [Aker - The Pioneer Submit Quel Maneuver the weather. The symmetrical AWD Subaru Outback _ ® SUBARU comMonrn i.rmrt.,n Balliro & Balliro www.BalidoandBalirio.com Federal Criminal Appeal Attorney - Federal Appeals Only L The Laker & Pioneer Like az AdDT ea D Exhibit A http://Iakerpioneer. com/2012/11/02/court-rules-in-favor-of-orono-wind-t( Court rules in favor of Orono wind turbine I The Laker & The PioneerThe Laker & The Pi... Page 2 of 2 The Nygards filed their own lawsuit against the city the following month claiming their Kenneltv O'Keeffe civil rights had been violated and that they had been harassed bythe -city. kemiellylaw.ebm Personal injury & death. We area law firm The latest chapter in suit recently came to a dose when the Minnesota Court of known for success Appeals ruled that the city must again consider the Nygards' permit application. Employment Discrimnation Orono Assistant City Administrator Mike Gaffron said that city officials are in the www.halunenlaw.com; + j process of reviewing the permit. He said that the review is beginning at City staff level Contact Haknen law If You Feel you've I� and as of now there is no estimate as to how long it might take for the permitto be Been Discriminated Against] reviewed or to what extent the Orono Planning Commission or City Council will be Muni- Sport Backyard Fun involved in the process. I� I Build Backyard Game Courts In a joint statement, Jay and Kendall Nygard wrote that the ruling, "highlights the need Basketball Tennis Volleyball & mare ^dQ10k°' D, for local governments to consider and embrace the changing technologies and need for green innovation, especially regarding energy." Subscribe ®2013 Tags: Laker, Must Read, Orono, Pioneer Print Subscriptions ECM Facebook Related posts: RSS Feed • Medina looks at rural wind turbine rules Special Sections • Medina council OKs wind turbine moratorium • Church takes Medina to court Submit Announcements • Orono officials discuss banning roosters from city Let fi be known] • Legal notice: City of Orono Engagement or Wedding Announcements Birth Announcements Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked ` Submit Content Submit a News Tip Name' Submit a Letter To The Editor Post Comment! About Us Contact Us Advertising A Publishers, Inc. Al Rights Reserved. Sharing your photos with just the right people. ThaYs a plus. GOiJgle+ r> http://lakerpioneer.coml2012/11/02/court-rules-in-favor-of-orono-wind-turbine/ 3/28/2013 Medina looks at Waal wind turbine rules I The Laker & The PioneerThe Laker & The Pio... Page 1 of 3 Balliro & Balliro www.BaltriGandBalirio.com Federal Criminal Appeal Attorney - Federal Appeals Only aacrakea 260 V" "= -Pioneer _ Clear & �� View Forecest mytnNl.Com Home News Sports Schools Columns & Opinion Community Classifieds Public Notices Medina looks at rural wind turbine rules By The Pioneer & The Laker on October 1, 2012 at 7:00 am like 0 rwaet 0 P" In" The Medina City Council got its first look Sept. 18 at proposed changes to city ordinances regulating wind turbines, and liked what it saw — up to a point. After a lengthy discussion, the council asked Medina Planner Dusty Finke to come back with language that would allow some property owners in rural residential areas to have micro wind turbines. Once the city council sees the new language, it will decide whether or not to include it in the ordinance. On a scale of smallest to largest in terms of size and power, micro wind turbines are the smallest ones available on the wind power scene. Internet advertisements show models with power as low as 2.1 kilowatts. This size is quite different in capacity from the three -megawatt, 407-foot tall wind turbine that Hennepin County proposed to locate near the county public works garage in Medina. The county has withdrawn this proposal, but, at one point, some Medina residents voiced opposition to it. The ordinance proposal that came before the city council on Sept. 18 was crafted after the Medina Planning Commission had looked at the wind turbine issue for three months. Commissioners went to work after the city council on June 5 enacted a moratorium on issuance of conditional use permits (CUPS) for installing wind energy conversion systems (wind turbines). Search... The Laker - The Pioneer Submit Quel BP Wind operations www.bp.mrnienergymix Imo+ Leant more Information on BP's wind injury & death. We are a law firm Q M M Geothermal in Iowa www.munyonpandh.com j Get the most out of your Property Over --� 300% Efficient Equipment Northern Medical Rental www.northernmedicalsupply. com Hosphal Beds, Knee Walkers scooters, Wheelchairs & Uft Chairs Lawyers Make Mistakes www.leventhalpllc.com Legal Malpractice Happens. Who Should Be Responsible? GE Turbine Parts www.edisonmachine.com �. New authentic GE and Westinghouse Turbine Parts LThe city council called for the moratorium after teaming that a resident on Homestead The Laker & Pioneer Trail was considering the installation of a 189-foot tall, 39.9 kilowatt wind turbine to help Like 42 her save on electrical bills. Councilors talked about how wind turbine technology is changing rapidly, and city regulations need to keep up with the technology. The planning commission recommended an amended ordinance that has a significant Change from the current ordinance. Currently, wind turbines are conditional uses in Rural Residential, Agricultural Preserve, Rural Residential -Urban Preserve, Rural Residential 1, Rural Residential and Suburban Residential Districts. However, commissioners recommended that wind Exhibit B htlp://Iakerpioneer. com/2012/ 10/01 /medina-looks-at-rural-wind-turbine- .Medina looks at rural wind turbine rules I The Laker & The PioneerThe Laker & The Pio. Page 2 of 3 turbines be removed from the list of uses allowed in all residential zoning districts. The comrrtlssion recommended adding wind turbines as an allowed use in Business, Business Park, Commercial -Highway, Commercial Highway Railroad, Commercial General, Rural Business Holding and Rural Commercial Holding districts. Two Homestead Trail residents, Nancy and Clarkson Lindley, asked the city council to follow the planning commission recommendations and not allow wind turbines in Rural Residential areas. Nancy Lindley said she wanted Medina to preserve the appearance of the area. In contrast, City Councilor Liz Weir said she was interested in possibly allowing micro wind turbines on large lots in Rural Residential and Agricultural areas. The city council discussed limiting wind turbines in these zoning districts to 50 feet in height on properties of 20 acres or larger. Subscribe Print Subscriptions The proposed ordinance amendments limit the maximum size of wind turbines in Facebook business and commercial districts to 100 kilowatts in capacity and 200 feel in height, RSS Feed but specific height restrictions would apply to smaller lots. Height limits would be 50 feet on properties smaller than 10 acres, and 120 feet on properties smaller than 20 acres Special Sections in size. Minimum lot size would be two acres. Planner Finke and the planning commission studied extensively the issue of noise. They came up with noise limits of 6 decibels above the ambient noise level, in situations where ambient noise is above 35 decibels. Finke gave examples of noise levels in other situations. Normal conversations measure in at 50 to 60 decibels at three feet. Whispering in a quiet room has been measured at 30 decibels, and refrigerator noise at 40 decibels. The proposed wind turbine ordinance also has provisions regulating solar energy and geothermal systems. Solar energy systems must be connected to a structure and be no higher than five feet above the roofline. The ordinance also regulates reflections from the solar array. Other The city council also: Tabled a resolution establishing a storm sewer improvement tax district for the Enclave at Brockton Lane housing development until after approval of the final plat and fling of the plat by developer Lennar. The tax district is a back up plan that would provide money for the city to maintain storm water systems, in the event that the homeowners association does not keep up with maintenance. Approved a joint powers agreement with the city of Orono involving construction and maintenance of a trail along Willow Drive in the two cities. Updated a municipal utility service agreement between the cities of Medina and Orono regarding the provision of sanitary sewer service to the Medina Momingside area. The Metropolitan Council has taken over sanitary sewer service to Long Lake, so this city no longer needs to be part of the agreement. — By Susan Van Cleat, Sun Contributing Editor Tags: Medina, Pioneer Related posts: • Medina council OKs wind turbine moratorium Submit Announcements Let it be known! Engagement or Wedding Announcements Birth Announcements Submit Content Submit a News Tip Submit a Letter To The Edrtor About Us Contact Us Advertising http://Iakerpioneer.com/2012/ 10/01/medina-looks-at-rural-wind-turbine-rules/ 3/28/2013 ,Medina ending wind turbine ban I The Laker & The PioneerThe Laker & The Pioneer Page I of 3 Alternative Energy - BP bp.com See how BPS advanced technologies are expanding energy production. AgOpkat m TedaY Tampnow r 'MmEn PKOneei 6-121r 11-1211- mytiwi.com_ The Laker - Tle Pioneer Home News Sports Schools Columns & Opinion Community Classifieds Public Notices Medina ending wind turbine ban By The Pioneer & The Laker on November 19, 2012 at 1:00 am Like D Tweed 0 talk two Medina officials have been working since summer on ordinance changes pertaining to alternative energy sources, such as wind turbines and solar energy. The City Council passed a moratorium on approvals for these systems to give city staff time to craft ordinance amendments. On Nov. 7, the City Council passed amendments, pertaining mostly to wind turbines. Councilors directed Medina Planner Dusty Finke to come back to the Nov. 20 council meeting with an ordinance repealing the moratorium. At first the amended ordinance prohibited any sort of wind turbine on residential property. In September, the City Council directed Planner Finite to draft changes allowing some residents of rural areas to have small wind turbines. The new ordinance says minimum lot size for wind turbines in rural residential Medina city councilors thanked Greve Garthwak, or Gin Scout Troop 15042, for the day of service put in by her and other scouts in the VVestonka-Orono Service Unit as they celebrated their 1001h anniversary. The smuts stuffed 152 bags with leaves that otherwise would have gone directly into Lake Independence and Elm Creek and fertilized waterweeds. (Photo by Susan Van Clear) areas is 20 acres. Maximum height is 50 feet, and maximum production capacity is 10 kilowatts. A wind turbine must be within 150 feel of a structure on a property and situated at least 300 feet from the property line. Medina resident Clarkson Lindley spoke up against allowing wind turbines in rural residential areas. He said they would ruin the area's rural nature. Also, the 50-foot height limit would hinder effectiveness of a wind turbine and property owners would want variances from the limit. Residents of rural areas would have the financial wherewithal to sue the city about the height limit. Search... _ Submit Quel Oil & Gas Investments America-Oil.com Invest With Industry Leaders Earn 75- 80% Annually GE Turbine Parts www.edlson mach in e. com Nev, authentic GE and Westinghouse Turbine Para Strong Neodymium Maanets y www. KIMagnetics.com KW Magnetics - Rare Earth Magnets Huge Inventory a Great Prices) Renewable IE ray Courses stanford.edu/energy Nev, Stanford certificate in Energy --- Innovation and Emerging Technology. -♦ Magnet Motor www. globalspeccom Search Thousands of Catalogs for Magnet - Motor Ago aces tD LPThe Laker & Pioneer Like 42 Exhibit C http: //lakerpioneer. com/2012/ 11 / 19/medina-ending-wind-turbine-ban/ Medina ending wind turbine ban I The Laker & The PioneerThe Laker & The Pioneer Page 2 of 3 'In order for them (wind turbines) to be efficient, they have to be obtrusive,' Lindley said. City Councilor Liz Weir commented that technology is improving. Small wind turbines "might become quite feasible' for homeowners. Other The City Council also: Listened as Medina residents Chris and Amy Barry asked for Medina's support in asking that Xcel Energy bury its proposed upgrades of the Hollydale power distribution line when it passes within 300 feet of homes. Recognized Gid Scouts from the Westonka-Orono Service Unit for raking and bagging leaves that otherwise would have added phosphorus to Lake Independence and Elm Creek. On their 100th anniversary day of service, scouts spent two -and -a -half hours collecting 152 bags of leaves, handing out 330 informational door hangers and marking 55 storm drains with the words 'Only Rain Down the Storm Drain.' — By Susan Van Cleat, Sun Coninbuting Editor Tags: Medina, Pioneer Related posts: Medina looks at rural wind turbine rules Medina council OKs wind turbine moratorium Court rules in favor of Orono wind turbine Medina sets Clam Corp purchase dates Medina gets historic low interest rates One Response to Medina ending wind turbine ban Joel Mackey says: November 19, 2012 at 3.42 pm This is really great news for residents in Medina just as prices of wind turbines are coming down and technology for efficiency is improving. Glad to see this update! Reply Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked' Name• Email' J Lakeshore Community vi",savann a ridge. net Northern MN Cabins for Sale. New Construction, Boat Slip, Pool Used wind Turbines -sale wind turbines 6 unae E unitsEnerc n E40 E40 now for sale. 500 IN roes. wine turbines. Contact us. Utica Shale Acreaee www.encore-energv, com Utica Shale Lease Opportunities Utica Shale Industry Investment Deeohaven Academy beephave0cademy. org Private I Non-danominational I K-8 Affordable, Classical Education AdChoi p Subscribe Print Subscriptions Faoebook RSS Feed Special Sections Submit Announcements Let it be known! Engagement or Wedding Announcements Birth Announcements Submit Content Submit a News Tip Submit a Letter To The Editor About Us Contact Us Advertising http: //Iakerpioneer. com/2012/ 11 / 19/medi na-ending-wind-turbine-ban/ 3/28/2013 Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Energy Reviewed Pagel of 3 Home C.ntwt rrir_sev TheInfo Mo info \f— /l Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Energy Reviewed The advantages and disadvantages of wind energy is a topic that marry who are considering renewable energy generation want to know about. Outlined below are the top 10 advantages and disadvantages of wind energy. Wind Energy Advantages I. Wind energy is nothing new. It's a well-known method of using kinetic energv (wind) to produce mechanical energy and has been around for thousands of years since the Persians and later Romans were using windmills to draw water and grind grain. 2. Wind energy is a renewable resource meaning that the Fart will continue to provide this and it's up to people to use it and harness it to best advantage. 3. Wind energy is cheap and is largely dependent upon the manufacturing, distribution and building of turbines for the initial costs. The U. S. DOE estimates wind energy can be produced for as low as 4 to 6 cents per kilowatt hour. 4. Wind energy replaces electricity from coal-fired power plants and thus reduces greenhouse gases that produce global warning. 5. Wind energy is available worldwide and through some countries may be "windier" than others, the product is not like oil that has to be transported on tankers to the far regions of the earth 6. Wind farms on average have a smaller footprint than coal -fined power plants and even tough some people don't like the appears= to wind turbines, they object more to having a coal-fired power plant in their backyards. 7. Wind turbines can also share space with other interests such as the fanning of crops or cattle. 8. Wind energy is available in many remote locations where the electrical grid doesn'treach. Farms, mountain areas and third world nations can take advantage of wind energy. 9. Wind energy is creatingjobs that are far outpacing other sectors of the economy. 10, Wind energy doesn't have to be used solety on a commercial scale as residential wind turbines are now gaining ground in many communities. Wind Energy Disadvantages 1. Wind is an intermittent source of energy and when connected to the electrical grid provides an http://www. windturbinesnow. com/advantages-disadvantages-wind-energy. htm Exhibit D Advantages and Disadvantages of Wind Energy Reviewed Page 2 of 3 uneven power supply. Some places such as the Gulf Coast region of the U. S. have too strong of winds during hurricane season that may damage wind turbines. 2. Some people object to the visual site of wind turbines disrupting the local landscape. 3. The wind doesnl blow well at all locations on Earth. Wind maps are needed to identify the optimal locations. 4. The initial cost of a wind turbine can be substantial, though government subsidies, tax breaks and long-term costs may alleviate much of this. 5. Transmission of electricity from remote wind farms can be a major hurdle for utilities since many time turbines are not located around urban centers. 6. The storage of excess energy from wind turbines in the form of batteries, hydrogen or other ` forms still needs research and development to become commercially viable. W 7. Some environmentalists have complained that large utility wind turbines have a detrimental effect to migratory bird flight paths. 8. Depending upon the type of wind turbine, noise pollution may be a factor for those living or WIND working nearby. 9. Even though costs of wind energy have come down dramatically it still has to compete with the ultra low price wind turbines n interfere ereplains. with 10. Utility scale wind lufiines can interfere with television signals of those living within a mile or two of the installation, which can be frustrating for homeowners. These are the top 10 advantages and top 10 disadvantages of wind energy. Make up your own mind whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages for your household and your Windenergyprojed community. http://www. windturbinesnow. com/advantages-disadvantages-wind-energy. htm 3/26/2013 Residential Wind Turbines Discussed Page 1 of 3 4iii&s Now Home Cone t Pm,acv Thewo More Info Resources Residential Wind Turbines Residential wind turbines are quickly becoming one of the most sought after commodities in the alternative energy field. And, the fact is the residential wind turbines are not new, since people have been using wirdrtti0s to pump water and grind grain for centuries. Residential wind turbines have recently taken on a new meaning and are now being used to create electricity for one's home instead of and in addition to the other purposes. Residential wind turbines have moved into the cities and suburbs in the past few years expanding territories from the farmhouses. It's no secret that wind energy is the fastest growing segment of alternative energy in the United States. In 2007, the U. S. installed 5.2 gigawatts of new wind energy, which far exceeded both China (3.4 Gw) and Spain (3.5 Gw). In addition, for every 10,000 Mw of wind turbines that are installed, it replaces 33 million metric tons of CO2 from cod -fired power plants. But, while some big players such as T. Boone Pickens and his Pickens Plan want to focus on large utility scale use of wind energy for the masses, many homeowners are also interested. Homeowners are interested in residential wind energy because the term "energy independence" does not only have to be in reference to am country getting off the grips of foreign oil, but as individuals and families retiring from the dependency we have upon the large utility companies. So, people are turning in droves to residential wind turbines in order to reduce electricity bills, reduce greenhouse gases and become more individually energy independent Residential or home wind turbines generally come in two different varieties including horizontal axis wind turbines (the most common) and vertical axis wind turbines (the fastest growing segment). Residential wind turbines with a horizontal axis may be placed either on a rooftop or in the yard, mounted upon a lower. In some locations, the farther distance from the ground, the higher the wind speed and the faster the home wind turbine will turn In other locations, rooftop mounted wind turbines provide enough energy and are generally cheaper and require less maintenance than those that require towers. Home wind turbines that have a vertical axis generally can be mounted closer to the ground or upon a rooftop. These are impact less by winds that change directions, work at lower wind speeds and can have a more pleasing aesthetic design than other models. Rolling back the household electricity meter and reducing greenhouse gases is important to Exhibit E http://www.windturbinesnow.com/residential-wind-turbines.htm Residential Wind Turbines Discussed Page 2 of 3 many. Residential wind dntmes help many consumers fulfill these two desires. WIND Windenergyprojed http://www.windturbinesnow.com/residential-wind-turbines.htm 3/26/2013 Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines Page I of 31 JW 1kr &INOW . '� '� \( w=�t Pr„•an Horizontal Axis Wind Ike Info More lnjo Turbines Horizontal axis wind turbines have been the standard for years as opposed to vertical axis wind turbines, which are now gaining favor with homeowners. Horizontal axis wind turbines, as the name implies turn on a horizontal axis or axel. Some people still call these windmills and some still love blades of old and are in a farm setting. But, the windmills of yesterday are not the same as the horizontal axis wind turbines of today. For example, most large utility scale wind turbines such as the ones youll find on wind farms use a horizontal axis. Utility scale horizontal axis wind turbines typically use three blades although some are now being developed that use just two. Railed against by some environmentalists as "bird Cuisinarts" the utility scale horizontal axis wind turbines today are being designed to move at slower speeds and be more visible to our fine feathered friends. But, large utility scale horizontal wind turbines are not the only games in town - Residential wind turbines that use a horizontal axis are also coming of age. These small wind turbines will typically hum at lower wind speeds and may be mounted in the backyard or on the rooftop. Like many residential wind turbines for home use, the owners of a horizontal turbine may have to fill out zoning paperwork and / or get permission from one's homeowner association to place the device on one's roof or in one's yard (It's recommended to get this information upfront before buying or building your own). The horizontal axis wind bubines (HA WT) need to be pointed into the wind for optimal efficiency. The utility scale tmbirhes may do this by using a sensor and servo motor, while the smaller turbines simply use a wind varte (tail -fan) to keep pointed in the right direction, Exhibit F http://www.windturbinesnow.com/horizontalaxis-windturbines.htm 3/26/2013 Vertical Axis Wind Turbines Explained Pagel of 3 Home =wr N rae, The Info More znjo R.wurccs Vertical Axis Wind Turbines Vertical axis wind turbines ate in the minority compared to the horizontal variety. But, fans of vertical axis wind brbimes plus new technology is starting to turn heads and gain advocates. Vertical axis wind turbines tend to be for home and residential use so most are smaller rooftop or backyard installation instead of the behemoths one might find standing guard at Palm Springs, California for instance. Vertical axis wind bubmes are just as the name implied, they spin on a vertical axis instead of horizontal ones and come in marry different sizes, shapes and colors. Some of the advantages of vertical axis wind turbines are: 1. they tend to be bird -friendly 2. they generally turn at lower wind speeds 3. can be mounted closer to the ground 4. not as affected by emss-winds 5. quieter than other models Some environmentalists have dubbed the large utility size horizontal axis wind turbines to be "bird Cuisinarts" advocating against putting these machines in the bird flight pathways were the killing of such animals has been observed. Instead, many vertical axis wind turbines are bladeless, taming instead with flanges, or other wind -catching outcroppings that don t interfere with the birds' flight Because of the design of many vertical axis wind turbines and efficiently they can generally ono at lower wind speeds than other varieties. This is especially true of magnetic wind turbines or (MagLev turbines) that have low resistance because of the use of magnets. Because vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) can turn at lower wind speeds generating electricity, they can also be mounted lower to the ground such as upon a rooftop rather than a 50 ft. to 300 ft tower upon which many horizontal turbines are mounted. Some vertical axis wind turbines have a cylindrical or helical design, which makes them less affected by cross winds. Many times horizontal turbines will flutter around a bit when gusty side winds and crosswinds hit. Homeowners will generally find that vertical axis wind turbines are a bit quieter in operation than there horizontal counterparts but much of this has to do with the design as well as sound Exhibit G http://www.windturbinesnow.com/vertical-axis-wind-turbines.htm 3/26/2013 Vertical Axis Wind Turbines Explained Page 2 of 3 dampening properties of the residence itself. Vertical axis wind turbines are gaining m popularity by leaps and bounds and many of the current designs are also aesthetically pleasing to homeowners as well. W WIND Menergyv* http://www.windturt)inesnow.com/vertical-axis-wind-turbines.htin 3/26/2013 ;Cylindrical and Conical Wind Turbines Power Homes Page 1 of 3 "i6i low tCMMC Cylindrical & Conical Wind The Info Mare Info Turbines Conical and cylindrical wind turbines are mostly used for home and residential applications. This is because most cylindrical or conical wind turbines turn on a vertical axis, which are suited well for yards and rooftops. The vertical axis wind turbines generally can turn at a slower wind speed that those with a horizontal axis, plus they are not as affected by side winds. Vertical axis wind turbines can also hold up much more soundly in high wind speeds over 80 mph. Some of the conical wind turbine manufacturers include MagLev and Mag-Wind (such as on Jay Leno's Garage and Ed Begley, Jr.'s trollop). In general, though, the manufacturers are more apt to produce cylindrical wind turbines than those with a cone shape. Some of the manufacturers of the cylindrical wind turbines include Pac-Wind, StatoEolian GSE, Manah Power and Etnidge. The Ettadge cylindrical wind turbine design is made of several rotating fan blades inside a cylindrical half shell. Re= c` The SmtoEolian GSE wind turbine in appearance is close to the design of a paddlewheel of a steamboat in which one might find gamblers on the Mississippi River in the 1800s. This cylindrical wind turbine is especially useful for harsh weather situations as it can generate electricity up to 93 mph and withstand winds up to 124 mph such as in a hurricane. Pac-Wind makes both the Aeolian and Seahawk cylindrical wind turbine models that are both built for low wind conditions and will work at homes and remote locations. These are both also useful for backup power. The Mariah Power Windspire is 30 feet long and two feet wide and looks more like a piece of yard art revolving in the breeze. This design is very quiet, oonosion resistant and low maintenance as well. It can also be easily repainted to fit in with the color scheme of a home or office building. The conical and cylindrical wind turbines offer home and business owners an alternative to the traditional horizontal axis bladed turbines. This combination of art and functionality give homeowners choices in regard to both electrical generation and visual appeal. Exhibit H http://www. windturbinesnow. com/cylindrical-conical-wind-turbines. htm Rooftop Wind Turbines Coming Home Page 1 of 3 home Contxcl Privac' The Grfo Advantaees; Disadvantaees Airborne Wind Turbines Cylindrical &Conical Wind 1 urbines Darrieus Wind Turbine Mmunv Wind Turbines Helical Wind Turbim History of Wind Power Horizontal Azis Wind Turbines How Wind Turbines Work More info Remurw Rooftop Wind Turbines From San Francisco to New York City, rooftop wind turbines are hitting the home from. Rooftop wind turbines are being installed on both homes and businesses at an unprecedented rate due to several factors including the desire to save electricity, cm down owns dependency upon fossil fuels and as a visible symbol that one is doing their part to go green. Rooftop wind turbine critics say that they simply don't work or don't work as well as advertised. The critics are right in some instances and that is why the consumer needs to know what they are getting into and what to watch out for before investing in a rooftop wind turbine. Some of the factors that will influence the output of the rooftop wind turbine include the design itself (horizontal or vertical axis), the kilowatt rating of the generator, where the rooftop wind turbinc is placed, the angle or pitch of the roof, low much wind the region provides and any obstructions that may block the wind. The design of the rooftop wind turbine is important for several reasons. Aesthetics is one of the larger reasons homeowners today would want to put a renewable energy generator atop their louses. Also, rooftop wind generators can be a stains symbol that one is doing one's part to help the environment, creme jobs for others and lower bills in these tough economic times. Some wind turbines make more raise than others. The biggest complaint about a series of rooftop wind turbines placed at the Logan International Airport in Boston has been from an office worker below that says they make too much noise. As I've stated in other sections of this website, celebrities like Jay Lean and Ed Begley, Jr. have decided to place rooftop wind turbines on their homes and garages. In both cases vertical axis magnetic wind turbines were chosen to fill the bill. Some homeowners slate that vertical axis wind turbines in general are a little quieter than their lorizomal axis counterparts. Rooftop wind turbines generally come with a kilowatt (kW) rating such as 5 kW, 10 kW or 20 kW that reflects how much electricity one can expect it to generate for ono's home or business. It is important to either have a large enough rooftop wind generator or several that add up to enough in order to provide the needed power. Some rooftop wind turbines will work more favorably when on the edge of a rooftop, such as one that is long and flat (sort of like being on the edge of a cliff with an updraft). Others, however, on roofs with more angle or pitch will work more favorably in a higher location. Finding the right spot on the rooftop can add 5 to 40-percent mom efficiency in electricity generation - One of the most obvious points is for home and business owners in rather windless areas to not buy rooftop wind turbines but rather opt for other alternative energy resources. Wind maps may Exhibit I http://www.windturbinesnow.com/rooftop-wind-turbines.him Jlooftop Wind Turbines Coming Home Page 2 of 3 help some determine if there is enough regional wind to justify the purchase of building of a _- rooftop wind turbine. Buying an inexpensive anemometer and tracking results is also helpful - IM._�;�,;�;.� before making a decision. A less obvious issue when deciding on putting up a rooftop wind generator may be any obstructions current or furore that could block the full wind from getting to the generator. Trees, ��Lyl other buildings, hillsides or even large vehicles can deflect the wind away from the turbine. If the moftop is inside a city filled with buildings the wind path can become quite tricky as it may bounce from one stricture to the next causing turbulence and an inconsistent flow. � Near homes, neighbors' trees grow and leaf out, people may pm up a second story or business W may build stricture in close proximity to homes which all may impact rooftop wind turbines. W The important thing is to think about as may variables as possible when deciding if a rooftop 1 N D wind turbine makes sense and the location that fits well. That said many people are now rolling back their electrical meters using residential wind turbines on their rooftops. Marmfacnmers of these turbines are busier than ever before. With a little forethought and planning, a rooftop wind turbine may make sense (and dollars) for homes and businesses across the nation. So, what are you waiting for? The time is now just like the name of this website indicates. Windenefgyproject bttp://www.windturbinesnow.com/rooftop-wind-turbines.htin 3/26/2013