Is Tower Height Crucial for Optimal Wind Power Generation?

AI Thread Summary
The height of a wind generator's tower is crucial because wind speed typically increases with elevation, allowing for larger rotor sizes and greater energy capture. A 50-meter tower can access higher wind classes, which directly impacts the economic viability of wind power generation. In 2005, the economic feasibility of wind power depended on specific wind power classes and levels, but many turbines still required subsidies to be considered economical. Understanding the velocity profile of wind at different heights is essential for optimizing turbine performance. Overall, tower height significantly influences both energy output and cost-effectiveness in wind power generation.
4220Fox
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Hi, Why is hight of a wind generators tower so important? Given a 50-meter tower, at what wind 'power class' and at what 'power level' will wind power be considered economical (circa 2005)?
 
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4220Fox said:
Hi, Why is hight of a wind generators tower so important?
Wind speed (usually) increases with height, and more height allows bigger rotors as well.
 
Google "Wind Power"

If you look at the velocity profile of a fluid moving across a flat horizontal plate you will see why elevation above the surface is important.
 
Thank you both very much-

Any ideas on if given a 50-meter tower, at what wind power 'class' and at what 'power level' will wind power be considered economical (in or about the yr 2005)? Best wishes,
 
Was any turbine "economical" in 2005? Even today many need subsidies.
 
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