Most U.S. manufacturers rate their turbines by the amount of power they can safely produce at a particular wind speed, usually chosen between 24 mph (10.5 m/s) and 36 mph (16 m/ s). There are several factors that are important to the performance of a wind turbine. Such as:
- Taller towers will increase the productivity of any wind turbine by giving it access to higher wind speeds.
- The rotor sweep area is important because the rotor is the part of the turbine that captures the wind energy. The larger the rotor, the more energy it can capture.
- The air density, changes slightly with air temperature and with elevation. The ratings for wind turbines are based on standard conditions of 59º F (15º C) at sea level. A density correction should be made for higher elevations.
- A correction for temperature is typically not needed for predicting the long-term performance of a wind turbine.
Calculating the wind power illustrates important features about wind turbines, the best measure of wind turbine performance is annual energy output. The difference between power and energy is that power (kilowatts [kW]) is the rate at which electricity is consumed, while energy (kilowatt-hours [kWh]) is the quantity consumed. An estimate of the annual energy output from your wind turbine, kWh/year, is the best way to determine whether a particular wind turbine and tower will produce enough electricity to meet your needs.
Superior Wind Turbines can help you estimate the energy production you can expect. They will use a calculation based on the particular wind turbine power curve, the average annual wind speed at your site, the height of the tower that you plan to use, and the frequency distribution of the wind— an estimate of the number of hours that the wind will blow at each speed during an average year. We will adjust this calculation for the elevation of your site. Contact a Superior Wind Turbines for assistance with this calculation.
 |
