Wind Power

Parameters of Wind Gust Correct Answers Amplitude "a" Raise Time "b" Max Gust Variation "c" Lapse Time "d" Wind Shear Correct Answers Describes how wind speed varies with height. Measured in seconds. Weibull Distribution Parameters Correct Answers Shape "k" Scale "λ" Betz' Law Correct Answers Only 59.3% of kinetic energy from a wind turbine can be converted into mechanical energy. Power Coefficient Correct Answers Turbine efficiency; indicates how efficiently a turbine converts wind into electricity. Cp = electrical power output / wind energy input Capacity Factor of Turbine Correct Answers Capacity = actual energy output/theoretical max output ; usually between 20-70% Availability Factor of Turbine Correct Answers How often the WT is available / total time of year --: may be due to scheduled/unscheduled maintenance; 98% shows turbine is ready to run more than 98% of time (always greater than capacity) Gear Box Ratio Correct Answers 1:50 ; coverts slowly rotating, high torque of WT rotor into high speed, low torque power Gearbox Stages vs. Number of Shafts Correct Answers Single stage = 2 shafts Two stage = 3 shafts