Wind energy or wind power is a type of renewable energy that uses wind flow to generate electricity. Wind turbines do not emit pollution and provide clean renewable energy without relying on fossil fuels. The main systems used to convert wind to energy are wind-power generating systems for commercial use, single-wind turbines, or a utility-scale. On small farms, where the goal is to generate enough electricity for on-site use only, small wind turbines are a good option. They can also lower an electricity bill by 50 to 90 percent.
Wind speeds and other weather factors will influence how much energy a turbine produces. Locations with above average wind speeds are most suitable for wind turbines. The turbine’s height, body design, and blade design will also impact the amount of power generated. Taller turbines will be less affected by obstructions or obstacles and tend to have longer, aerodynamic blades that absorb more wind flow, and have less drag, which in turn produces more energy at lower wind speeds.
At 10m above ground the average wind speed is about 4-4.9m/s, at 40m above ground the average wind speed increases to 6-6.9m/s, and at 80m it increases to 7-7.0m/s. If a 5kW turbine is operated for an entire year, it should produce 5kW * 24 hours a day * 365 days per year, coming out to 43,800 kWh. A wind turbine does not actually do this though. The average capacity factor for wind turbines is about 33 percent but fluctuates between 25-50 percent based on the average wind speed. A 6m/s wind will produce 200W which is 20 percent of the rated 1000W, thus with a capacity factor of 20 percent, the turbine will only produce 20 percent * 1000 W * 24 hours a day * 365 days per year, equals 1,752 kWh. At 25mph, most wind turbines will automatically shut down to avoid mechanical damage.
lucentius/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images