How much power does a wind turbine output?
The mean turbine capacity in the U.S. Wind Turbine Database (USWTDB) is 1.67 megawatts (MW). At a 33% capacity factor, that average turbine would generate over 402,000 kWh per month – enough for over 460 average U.S. homes.
How do you calculate wind turbine power?
Power output is calculated as follows: power = [(air density) times (swept area of blades) times (wind speed cubed)] divided by 2. The area is in meters squared, air density is in kilograms per meters cubed and wind speed is in meters per second.
How many kWh does a small wind turbine produce?
Small wind turbines typically produce between 500 W and 10 kW of power, although the smaller turbines may be as small as a 50 Watt auxiliary power generator for a boat, caravan, or miniature refrigeration unit, and the Canadian Wind Energy Association (CanWEA) defines “small wind” as high as 300 kW.
How much power does a wind turbine produce per year?
The output of a wind turbine depends on the turbine’s size and the wind’s speed through the rotor. An average onshore wind turbine with a capacity of 2.5–3 MW can produce more than 6 million kWh in a year – enough to supply 1,500 average EU households with electricity.
What is the minimum speed for a wind turbine?
8 kph (2 m/s) minimum is required to start rotating most small wind turbines. 12.6 kph (3.5 m/s) is the typical cut-in speed, when a small turbine starts generating power. 36–54 kph (10–15 m/s) produces maximum generation power.
How much do farmers make from wind turbines?
Wind turbines can make between $3000–$10,000 or more per year depending on the size and kilowatt capacity of the turbine. Farmers on wind farms can maintain their own electricity production and guarantee a lower price for at least 20 years.
How much wind speed is needed for a wind turbine?
In general, wind turbines begin to produce power at wind speeds of about 6.7 mph (3 m/s). A turbine will achieve its nominal, or rated, power at approximately 26 mph to 30 mph (12 m/s to 13 m/s); this value is often used to describe the turbine’s generating capacity (or nameplate capacity).
What happens if a turbine spins too fast?
On the other hand, if a wind turbine is spinning too fast it could one cause mechanical damage; and two create a “wall” against the wind to safely spin the turbine to create electricity. They usually shut down if wind speeds get higher than about 55mph (88.5 km/h).