4 ms·
Why wouldn't it be better just to build 4 smaller wind turbines in place of the large ones. How does the math work here.
by dukeofdoom 3y ago
Why wouldn't it be better just to build 4 smaller wind turbines in place of the large ones. How does the math work here.
- IshKebab 3y agoLarge ones are higher up and windy gets faster the higher you go. Though I think even if that wasn't the case it's more efficient to build a few big turbines than many small ones.
- SkyPuncher 3y agoI believe power increases exponentially with scale. Essentially, Area = (pi) * r^2 (but much more complex given it's turbines). This article has a good summary: https://www.energy.gov/eere/articles/wind-turbines-bigger-better https://www.energy.gov/eere/articles/wind-turbines-bigger-be... * 89ft - 0.2mw * 173ft - 0.9mw (2x radius, 4.5x power) * 410ft - 3mw (2.5x radius, 3x power) * 820ft - 17mw (2x radius, 5.5x power)
- usrusr 3y agoIn addition to the other replies, bigger rotors achieve their power at lower rpm. That's because blade tip speed needs to stay well below the speed of sound, at all sizes. Where small, hectic rotations are annoying, the large ones appear majestic. They are seen very far, but blend in much better. The small turbines are the ones that are catching the eye. You can spend many hours with a mix of different turbine sizes in view perceiving that difference without really being able to put a finger on it. But when you do realize how that plays out, you will never ever consider two smaller turbines where a larger would do. Chances are you'd even prefer a larger one over a single smaller.