Is the first photovoltaic turbine in history causing a strange effect on the environment? Before analyzing the impact that this innovation has had on the environment, it is necessary to understand that this is a photovoltaic turbine that utilizes a hybrid energy generator responsible for combining solar and wind power. Called the Heat Waver, this novel structure seems to be living up to its name whilst keeping energy outputs constant despite low wind periods. This photovoltaic turbine can turn its photovoltaic rotor itself into a source of solar energy, but recent reports show somewhat of the strange side effects that this turbine has on the atmosphere.
Understanding this photovoltaic turbine possessing hybrid power
The Heat Waver is said to break the expectations of what turbines can do. The Heat Wave has rotor blades lined with photovoltaic materials similar to those of solar panels. Conventional wind turbines, on the other hand, depend solely on kinetic energy from the wind to turn the blades that power the generator. The advantage is that The Heat Waver can continue harnessing the sun’s energy even when the wind slows down, as the blades can convert sunlight into energy.
Power can be generated even on calmer days without much wind. The main advantage is the dual-energy functionality allows the turbine to make the most of wind and the sun. This space-saving generator is fit to work in all weather conditions.
What strange effect can be seen in the environment?
Being able to maximize on harnessing natural energy successfully, the photovoltaic turbine does not have any flaws. However, the side effects produced when using The Heat Waver are somewhat shocking. In areas close to the operating turbine, atmospheric distortions have been seen. There have been visible waves or shimmering in the air that look somewhat like the mirage seen on a hot day. As residents have put it, the air seemed to be rippling.
The “heat shimmer” produced is, according to meteorologists studying the phenomenon, somehow linked to the way in which photovoltaic-coated blades absorb and re-radiate heat. The theory put forward is that since the rotor is in constant motion and elevated high into the air, the irregular absorption of solar energy and its equally irregular dispersal produces micro-pockets of warm air that rises and mixes with cooler surrounding layers. It is a light refraction pattern that can be seen by the naked eye.
According to temperature readings closer to the turbines, there is a cyclical spike during times when there tends to be high solar energy. At present, the temperature fluctuations and shimmering have not caused drastic changes to the area, however, it is believed that the shimmer in the air may result in low-altitude wind flow and a change in insect behavior. We surely are not saying goodbye to photovoltaics, but hello to a wind turbine introducing principles of photovoltaics.
What are the views on this “heat shimmer”
Some climatologists are of the opinion that if such turbines are close together, it could result in a fragile ecosystem and cause changes in patterns like bird migration due to subtle temperature imbalances. There is speculation that bird migration patterns, the local climate, as well as plant growth cycles may be altered due to this “heat shimmer”. Some climatologists feel that the potential to harness clean energy surely outweighs any negatives.
The next steps
Following the assumption that the atmospheric change is not at all dangerous, more data has yet to be sourced for researchers to understand how to fine-tune the heat management systems of these photovoltaic blades in such a way that they minimize any unwanted disturbances.
The Heat Waver remains symbolic of how humans’ ingenuity to tap into two of Earth’s most renewable resources (wind and the sun) can cause a stir in the atmosphere. From photovoltaic moss in your garden to the Heat Waver, this is a new page in the clean energy chapter where cleaner technologies need to balance with the ecosystems that they are supporting.
