Wind Power -- The Tail Wags the Dog, Again

Just when you think our federal government could not be more stupid or out of touch, they propose this. It is a proposal to stop regulating the power grid at a precise 60 cycles (hertz). The money quote

“Is anyone using the grid to keep track of time?” McClelland said. “Let’s see if anyone complains if we eliminate it.”

Ever hear of electric clocks? Ever hear of clocks embedded in computers and other devices? This is lunacy.

Why would they even consider such a thing? My guess: Wind energy.

One reason wind energy is so terribly inefficient is that it does not lend itself to directly produce 60 hertz power. So, if they loosen the standards wind energy will look slightly better by comparison.  Of course, that it will screw up just about every electric device that requires any precision is of no consequence to most "greens."

I'd be happy to be proven wrong.

Hat tip: WattsUpWithThat

Comments

  1. This article seems to be concerned mostly with time keeping devices, which is significant. But perhaps even more so are electric motors used in all sorts of industries. The speed that several different common types of electric motors turn is a function of the frequency of the alternating current that feeds them. If that frequency becomes variable, then the speed that these motors turn will also become variable. Now, I would guess that in many cases where motor rotational velocity is critical, there are control systems in place and they really aren't that reliant on the frequency of the grid. But in other cases, who really knows what the impact would be. Certainly not something to just waive your hands at I wouldn't think.

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