Forthbank Wind Energy Development - Partnerships for Renewables

Forthbank Wind Energy Development
9.4.19 These features are described in detail in sections 4.5 to 4.8 and presented in Figures 4.1 to
4.9.
Wind Turbines
9.4.20 The proposed wind energy development will consist of four wind turbines with a maximum hub
height of 80m and a maximum blade tip height of 125m. These dimensions are known as the
turbine ‘envelope’. The turbine towers will be of tapering tubular steel construction and the
blades will be made of fibreglass with lightning protection, to protect the entire turbine.
Turbines will be finished in a pale grey/off-white colour with a semi-matt finish, subject to
agreement of Clackmannanshire Council and other consultees. The turbines are described in
detail in Chapter 4.5 ‘Candidate Wind Turbine’.
9.4.21 Each turbine requires its own transformer to change the voltage to one that is appropriate for
transmission around the site. Transformers will be housed externally within a small kiosk
adjacent to each tower base, depending on the eventual model of turbine selected. The
external kiosks will be a maximum of 6m x 4m x 3m in size, located close to towers and
coloured appropriately for the site. Due to their relatively small size they are generally
indistinct from the tower base unless viewed close up or in silhouette against the skyline at
greater distances.
Meteorological Masts
9.4.22 The proposed wind energy development includes the erection of a permanent free standing
metrological mast, to include weather recording equipment, complete with electrical supply and
reinforced concrete pad foundation. The height will match the turbine hub height. The exact
design of this structure is yet to be determined, and may be of either lattice or tubular steel. An
example of a lattice type design is shown in Figure 4.2 and the location is shown in Figure 1.2.
The tower would be retained throughout the operating life of the wind energy development to
monitor meteorological parameters such as wind speed and direction, as required for efficient
monitoring and control purposes during the operation of the wind energy development. The
structure would have an effect on landscape and views, but one which would be subsumed by
the greater overall effect of the wind turbines.
9.4.23 It is assumed that the meteorological mast will be removed in subsequent de-commissioning
phase.
Switchroom/Control Building
9.4.24 The control building compound will comprise a hard standing with maximum dimensions of
40m x 30m, and a single storey building approximately 5m x 15m x 3.81m which will house
switchgear and metering, protection and control equipment and also welfare facilities. The
building will be finished in a render which is in keeping the colour of existing buildings in the
area. Figure 4.3 and 4.4 provide an illustration of a control building plan and elevation
respectively. The proposed location of the control building and compound is shown in Figure
1.2.
November 2010 Chapter 9 Page 63
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