Maximizing Wind Turbine Efficiency: Is Redirecting Wind Worth the Cost?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of using a funnel or air dam to redirect wind towards a wind turbine to enhance efficiency, versus simply investing in additional turbines. Participants highlight the significant resource requirements for constructing such devices, the need for them to adjust with changing wind directions, and the complexities of aerodynamics involved in turbine design. Ultimately, the consensus suggests that if such methods were effective, they would have already been implemented by commercial wind farms, indicating that existing designs are likely optimized for performance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of wind turbine mechanics and aerodynamics
  • Familiarity with turbine blade design principles
  • Knowledge of resource allocation in renewable energy projects
  • Basic engineering concepts related to airflow and pressure dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research existing wind turbine designs and their efficiency metrics
  • Explore aerodynamic principles relevant to turbine blade optimization
  • Investigate the cost-benefit analysis of turbine installation versus modification
  • Examine case studies of innovative wind energy solutions and their outcomes
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, renewable energy researchers, and hobbyists interested in wind turbine design and optimization will benefit from this discussion, particularly those exploring innovative approaches to enhance turbine efficiency.

  • #31
Most countries that have a subsidy base it on the amount of electricity generated so it's in the interests of the wind farm developer to generate as much as possible. So it's not subsidies that stop developers installing larger turbines. Most new onshore turbines in the UK are 120-136m tall. Larger turbines are available (190m) but they aren't normally used onshore due to the impact on the landscape. They are however used offshore. If you use big turbines you need fewer of them and fewer foundations, cables etc so the capital cost per MW is lower. There are lots of reasons why developers would like to install bigger turbines.
 
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  • #32
It's not too late to be asking the OP what kW rating alternator is being planned. There are two threads progressing, unaware of each other and in parallel, I think. Comments about one do not apply to the other.
 

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