Even when wind turbines generate electricity at their maximum capacity, the electricity produced is only a small part of wind power generation. Efficiency is a measure of how much kinetic energy in the wind is converted into electrical energy. For example, if a turbine runs at 1000 watts of power for 1 hour, it will produce 1000 watts of power.
Wind turbines may produce anywhere between 500 W and 10 kW of power, although some of the smallest ones may produce as few as 50 watts. In general, small wind turbines are considered to be any that produce fewer than 300 kW of power per year.
Higher power will give you more power, but you will also need wind blowing at good speed for a long time. Power is generated by wind energy, so the power of a turbine is determined by its ability to capture that energy and convert it into torque that can spin a generator and push electrons into the grid. The taller tower provides access to more constant winds, while the larger blades capture more wind energy.
Energy Produced by Wind Turbines in Commercial Settings
Commercial wind farms with very large blades (over 80 m) have hubs higher than 80 m and thus can reach regions with the highest winds. Large wind farms have far fewer constraints and are constantly striving to produce larger turbine blades and therefore more powerful turbines. Commercial wind power, produced by turbines with a nominal capacity of 1 to 2.5 MW, is currently around 5 GW onshore and 2.5 GW onshore in the UK (2012).
Large turbines generate an equally large amount of electricity, which is vital for industrial-scale power generation. Small wind turbines with a capacity of 100 kilowatts and below can be used to directly supply power to a home or small business. They can generate energy in the same way as solar panels, as the energy can be stored for use in batteries and must power a home or workplace on a windy day.
Most turbines automatically shut off when wind speeds exceed 25 mph to avoid mechanical damage or injury. A relatively calm area with seasonal storms may never have a lot of wind power. The difference will be greater if tall trees or structures are blocking wind or creating turbulence. For example, a wind of about 14 kilometers per hour produces about half of the electricity compared to a wind of about 18 kilometers per hour.
Wind Turbines and their Breakeven Point
To generate enough electricity for a small wind turbine to substantially offset current local electricity consumption, a wind speed of about 18 kilometers per hour per year is preferred. Wind speeds in the preferred range can produce significant amounts of electricity with some small wind turbine designs. The wind speed in one location will vary significantly, which can significantly affect the generated power (Figure 13). The power output obviously depends on the amount of wind blowing.
To determine the power required by a wind turbine, multiply the annual electricity consumption (kWh) of your home or farm by the percentage of power you intend to generate from wind. The manufacturer can provide the expected annual power output of the turbine based on the average annual wind speed. The program will then tell you how much power the turbine will produce in one year at your location and the altitude you choose. After selecting your location, click on the Turbine Formula tab and enter the starting speed of the turbine, the maximum power required to reach the maximum power, and the wind speed.
Selecting a wind turbine size
This information, along with your local wind speed and energy budget, will help you decide which turbine size will best suit your power needs. If you are wondering how to use a turbine to power your home or business, contact your National Wind Energy Association for more information on how it works in your country. Industrial wind power includes turbines of all sizes that supply electricity to the grid and are used by utilities. Small wind turbines used in residential buildings usually have a capacity of 400 to 20 kilowatts, depending on the amount of electricity you want to generate.
Determining the size of a small wind turbine A typical household consumes approximately 10,649 kWh of electricity per year (approximately 877 kWh per month). The capacity of a small wind turbine that can be installed in the yard is about one kilowatt. The average annual wind speed of 9 miles per hour can generate more than 200 kWh, and the average wind speed of 14 miles per hour can generate more than 600 kWh. A large windmill with a capacity of 5 MW can produce 15,000,000 kWh per year, enough to power 150 homes.
One megawatt can power about 1,000 homes for a month, but due to fluctuations in wind speed, the wind turbine actually does not reach its rated capacity. Small wind turbines usually produce 500W to 10kW of power, although small turbines can be as small as 50W auxiliary generators used in microboats, trailers or refrigeration units, and the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) defines light wind. “Up to 300 kilowatts. If the local wind resources are abundant, a small wind power generation system can be very economical, and the system can offset electricity bills.
Wind turbine costs for homeowners
Most homeowners who use wind turbines as their primary source of electricity install between 5 and 15 kW of wind power, which means they can expect to pay between $ 15,000 and $ 75,000 for a small turbine project. Given the average power factor for small wind turbines, a 10 kW turbine will produce approximately 14,892 kWh per year. Looking at a simple small wind turbine, you might be surprised that it can meet or even supplement your electricity needs, but residential wind turbines can produce anywhere from 400W to 100kW.
A section with 12 mph winds can generate 70% more energy than a section with 10 mph winds. A 10 kW turbine generates 30% more power in a 100-foot tower than in a 60-foot tower.
Turbines of this size are generally used at sea where wind speeds are higher and power is more difficult to supply. Fewer large turbines = easier power transmission, fewer long cables and simpler overall systems.
Power factors of wind turbines
The “power factor” of a turbine is its average effective power as a fraction of its gross power. The first number is the theoretical power factor, the amount of energy actually produced per year as part of the maximum power of the turbine. The second number is availability, the time when the turbine is not turned off.
For example, if a 1.5 MW turbine generates electricity for one year at an average speed of 0.5 MW, its power factor is 33% for that year. For wind power, the power factor is calculated by dividing the total amount of electricity produced by the turbine by the total amount of electricity it would produce in a year if it were to provide maximum capacity all year round. The power factor, expressed as a percentage, is the actual energy produced by the turbine in one year divided by the energy produced that would have been received by the turbine operating at rated power for one year.
