The amount of energy produced by a wind turbine can vary depending on various factors such as the wind speed, efficiency rating of the turbine, and its capacity. Wind turbines have a rated capacity, which indicates the maximum amount of power they can produce if they run continuously. However, in practice, wind turbines often produce less than their rated capacity due to factors like wind availability and efficiency.
To calculate the power output of a wind turbine, you can use the following formula:
power = (air density * swept area of blades * wind speed^3) / 2
In this formula, the air density is measured in kilograms per cubic meter, the swept area of blades is measured in square meters, and the wind speed is measured in meters per second.
It’s important to note that wind turbines have an optimal wind speed range, typically between 30 and 50 miles per hour, at which they operate most efficiently. If the wind speed is below or above this range, the power production decreases.
Additionally, wind turbines automatically shut down when wind speeds reach around 55 miles per hour to prevent mechanical damage. Therefore, they don’t produce electricity during high wind conditions.
The actual energy output of a wind turbine can be estimated by considering its rated capacity and efficiency factor, as well as the wind availability in a specific location. To compute the estimated annual output of a wind turbine, you can use the following formula:
365 (days/year) * 24 (hours/day) * maximum capacity * capacity factor = kilowatt hours per year
For example, if a wind turbine has a rated capacity of 1.5 megawatts and an efficiency factor of 25 percent, its estimated annual output would be:
365 * 24 * 1500 * 0.25 = 3,285,000 kilowatt hours per year
It’s important to adjust these calculations based on the specific wind conditions in your area, which can be determined using wind maps provided by organizations like the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
The amount of electricity generated by wind turbines worldwide has been increasing over the years. In 2021, wind power generation reached approximately 1,870 TWh (terawatt-hours), making it the leading non-hydro renewable technology [2].
I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any more questions.