Wind Power Generation: Calculating Output from 30mm Turbine

[stu1984]

I am looking to design a few ‘wind powered’ gadgets, on a very small scale. I am struggling to calculate the power generated from a turbine of about 30mm diameter. I understand that the number of coils surround the armature has an obvious effect on the generation, but was wondering if there was an equation to unable me to calculate the output under certain wind speeds?

cheers

 

[Danger]

There should be documentatin available to show output at various rpm's for your alternator of choice. Most have built-in regulators to limit that output if the unit is overdriven. The other factor will be your gearing between the vanes and the alternator. In some cases (probably not yours), the vane pitch can be varied as well to maintain a certain speed.

 

[ravenprp]

Calculating the output of a wind turbine is a complex process that involves various factors such as wind speed, turbine size, and efficiency. While there is no one specific equation that can accurately determine the output of a 30mm diameter turbine, there are general guidelines that can help you estimate the power generated.

Firstly, the power output of a wind turbine is directly proportional to the wind speed. As the wind speed increases, so does the power output. However, this relationship is not linear, and the power output increases at a much faster rate than the wind speed. This means that even a small increase in wind speed can result in a significant increase in power output.

Secondly, the size of the turbine also plays a crucial role in determining the power output. Generally, larger turbines will generate more power than smaller ones. This is because they have a larger surface area to capture wind and can spin at a higher speed.

In terms of efficiency, modern wind turbines have an average efficiency of around 40%. This means that a 30mm diameter turbine will only be able to convert 40% of the wind energy into electricity. Therefore, it is important to consider the efficiency of your turbine when calculating the power output.

To calculate the power output, you can use the following equation:

Power output = 0.5 x (air density) x (turbine area) x (wind speed)^3 x (efficiency)

Where air density is typically 1.23 kg/m^3 at sea level, turbine area is the surface area of the blades, and wind speed is measured in meters per second.

However, please note that this is a simplified equation and may not provide an accurate estimate for a 30mm diameter turbine. It is always recommended to consult with a professional or use online calculators specifically designed for wind turbine output calculations.

I hope this helps in your design process, and good luck with your wind-powered gadgets!