How Much Power Does a 35% Efficient 80m Wind Turbine Generate at 30kph?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the power generated by an 80m diameter wind turbine operating at 30kph with a 35% efficiency. The key formula provided for power generation is P = 0.5 * ρ * A * v^3 * Cp, where air density, swept area, wind velocity, and efficiency are critical variables. Using standard air density and the calculated swept area, the estimated power output is approximately 1.47 MW. The conversation emphasizes the importance of efficiency and acknowledges that actual output may vary due to environmental factors. This calculation serves as a guide for understanding wind turbine performance under specified conditions.
russde
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I have a Thermo I problem:
Given: 80m diameter wind turbine rotating at 20rpm under steady wind conditions at an average wind velocity of 30kph. The eff of the system is 35%.

Need: Power generated

Assumptions (made by me):delta PE ~0; mass=constant; operating at Steady Sate; T~constant

Now, since the eff is = W/Energy and E=delta U +deltaKE +deltaPE this should reduce to:
Eff=W/deltaKE with my assumptions

deltaKE=1/2 m (V2^2 - V1^2)
I know that V2 should be larger than V1 and p2 should be less than p1 but this is where I get stuck, finding V2.
With T~constant specific enthalpy is 0, and entropy will also be 0...
right?
How about a hint to get me on the right path?
Thanks,
R
 
Physics news on Phys.org
This is less about thermodynamics and more about flow.

Bernoulli's equation gives us the Kinetic Energy per unit volume. From the diameter of the blades we can work out the acceptance area and hence the volume flowing through the turbine per second using the wind velocity.

Then the maximum power can be found.

Don't forget the efficieny!
 
andy

Hello Randy,

To calculate the power generated by a wind turbine, we can use the following formula:

P = 0.5 * ρ * A * v^3 * Cp

Where:
P = power generated (in watts)
ρ = air density (in kg/m^3)
A = swept area of the turbine blades (in m^2)
v = wind velocity (in m/s)
Cp = power coefficient (efficiency of the turbine)

In your given scenario, we have the following values:
ρ = 1.225 kg/m^3 (for standard air density at sea level)
A = π * (80/2)^2 = 5026.55 m^2 (using the diameter of 80m to calculate the swept area)
v = 30 kph = 8.33 m/s (converting from kph to m/s)
Cp = 0.35 (given efficiency of the system)

Plugging in these values, we get:
P = 0.5 * 1.225 * 5026.55 * (8.33)^3 * 0.35 = 1,473,985 watts

So, the power generated by the wind turbine in this scenario is approximately 1.47 MW (megawatts). Keep in mind that this is an ideal calculation and the actual power output may vary depending on factors such as wind speed and turbine efficiency.

I hope this helps you on the right path. Good luck with your Thermo I problem!
 
Thread 'Collision of a bullet on a rod-string system: query'
In this question, I have a question. I am NOT trying to solve it, but it is just a conceptual question. Consider the point on the rod, which connects the string and the rod. My question: just before and after the collision, is ANGULAR momentum CONSERVED about this point? Lets call the point which connects the string and rod as P. Why am I asking this? : it is clear from the scenario that the point of concern, which connects the string and the rod, moves in a circular path due to the string...
Back
Top