The following words and phrases used in this chapter shall have the following meanings, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
SHADOW FLICKER: Alternating changes in light intensity caused by the moving blade of a wind energy system casting shadows on an object, such as a window.
TOTAL EXTENDED HEIGHT: The distance measured from ground level to the tip of the blade, extended at its highest point of travel.
TOWER: The supporting structure on which the turbine is mounted.
TURBINE: That portion of the wind system that is used to capture the energy of the wind and transform it into electrical or mechanical energy. The turbine includes a rotor (blades) and nacelle (generator), and on many wind systems a tail.
WIND ENERGY SYSTEM, LARGE: A wind energy conversion system consisting of one or more wind turbines and towers, with associated control or conversion electronics, which will be used for on site and/or off site consumption of power with a rated capacity in excess of one hundred (100) kW.
WIND ENERGY SYSTEM, SMALL: A wind energy conversion system consisting of one or more wind turbines, a tower or other support structure, and associated control or conversion electronics with a rated capacity appropriate to the on site electric usage of the end use and which will be used primarily to reduce on site consumption of utility power. A small wind energy system may have a rated capacity of up to one hundred (100) kW.
WIND MONITORING TOWER AND EQUIPMENT - METEOROLOGICAL (MET) TOWER: A tower that houses or supports wind measuring equipment, such as an anemometer, for the purpose of measuring and monitoring wind velocity, duration, intensity, regularity, air temperature and pressure, etc. MET towers are typically permitted only on a temporary basis (2 to 5 years) to help determine the viability of a wind energy system project; although more permanent MET towers may also be considered.
WIND TURBINE, HORIZONTAL - AXIS (HAWT): A wind turbine designed to have the axis of rotation aligned with the direction of the wind, such as with the common propeller type models. These turbines have a rotor revolving about a horizontal axis. They look like a small airplane with a large propeller and no wings, and are the most common variety.
WIND TURBINE, VERTICAL - AXIS (VAWT): A wind turbine designed to have the axis of rotation perpendicular to the wind direction. (Ord. 2012.04, 1-18-2012)