ABSTRACT
Wind energy may be utilized by conversion into linear or rotational motion. In assessing the environmental impacts of wind energy, two further aspects have to be considered: the type of use and the support system required beyond the conversion device itself. The type of use is important for determining the range of alternative energy generation methods to which the impacts of wind energy conversion should be compared. A number of situations may be imagined, in which wind energy technology could affect the physical safety of human beings. Falls from high locations could be associated with the tower constructions characterizing many wind conversion systems. The engineering design principle for wind energy converters is safety throughout lifetime. Ensuring this requires not only a static calculation of the construction, but also a dynamical, aeroelastic calculation for the turbine under normal operation as well as under various abnormal conditions.
