[Parmy]

For all of you, I have this information. I am in the orchard industry in Washington State. We have used powered wind-machines, although much smaller than the ones used to generate electrical power, to mix the warmer air in the inversion layer with the colder air at ground level to raise the ground level temperature.

In this way we are able to save the fruit buds on the trees during the frost season which is starting as we speak. So, in my opinion, it is quite possible for these wind powered generators to raise the temperature in their area. Also, they might, with large wind farms, have far-reaching affect on the temperature.

[Western Phil]

“We have used powered wind-machines, although much smaller than the ones used to generate electrical power, to mix the warmer air in the inversion layer with the colder air at ground level to raise the ground level temperature.”

An interesting application.

How far above the surface of the earth is your inversion layer? It must be relatively low to be useful for your purpose. I have seen atmospheric refection effects on the horizon here in the Illinois plains from early morning inversions, but have no idea on what its elevation may be.

The Twin Groves Windfarm fans extend to 400 ft. But I suspect that there are no inversions present when they are running.

[BillM]

The first Law of Thermodynamics states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed. If energy is transferred to the windmill from the air, the air WILL cool. The effects that you describe in the orchard or vineyard just move the air around exchanging warmer air aloft for the cooler surface layer. In the case where the fans are driven by power to move the air, the heat transfer is from the fan blade TO the air! The power generating windmill moves the energy from the air to the blade.