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SU-Wind Turbines Problem Set
SU-Wind Turbines Problem Set
Wind Turbines
Problem Set
Problem 1: Using the data on the Vesta V90 – 3.0 MW (turbine diametre = 90 m) in Figure 1, find the
turbine’s efficiency for A) just above the cut-in speed (5m/s) B) the nominal speed (15 m/s) C) the cut-
out speed (25 m/s) and compare. D) Why does the power output level off at 3,000 kW?
Figure 1. The optimal wind speeds needed to extract varying amounts of power
using a Vesta V90 – 3.0 MW wind turbine.
References:
Problem 2: Compare the yearly greenhouse gas emissions from 1 GWe (Gigawatt-electric) power stations
powered by coal, natural gas and wind turbines. The energy content of coal is 30 MJ/kg, of natural gas is
55 MJ/kg and the electrical converting efficiency is 40% for both. Wind turbines do not emit CO 2 as they
Problem 3: Design a set of turbines of a reasonable size that could produce 1GW of electrical power
under common wind conditions at a site you can choose in BC (for now you can neglect the other factors
such as land formations and wind consistency). You need to specify the number of turbines and land
area needed.
Problem 4: Cape Sutil, located on Vancouver Island, is a potential site for a turbine farm. Assuming that
wind speed is constant during each season at 8.57 m/s in winter, 5.75 m/s in spring, 3.71 m/s in summer,
and 6.64 m/s in fall. Find the mean speed cubed (<v> 3) and the mean cubed speed (<v3>).