Wind Power Procurement: Turbines, Wind Speed and Site
AI Summary: Wind power projects depend on local average wind speed, wind frequency, turbulence, obstacles, tower height and grid connection conditions. Small wind turbines range in power from several kilowatts to larger specifications, with different cut-in wind speeds and rated wind speeds. Sites with insufficient wind speed or severe shading are not suitable for wind power; wind measurement or reference to wind resource data should be conducted first.
Procurement Checklist
| Review Item | Selection Points |
|---|---|
| Wind Resource | Average wind speed and effective wind hours |
| Turbine Type | Horizontal axis or vertical axis |
| Tower Height Safety | Tower, guy wires and foundation |
| Controller and Inverter | Dump load, rectification and grid connection protection |
| Noise Distance | Keep distance from residences |
Procurement, Installation and Usage Points
1. Measure wind first
Occasional strong winds alone cannot determine project feasibility.
2. Dump load protection is essential
Prevent overspeed during high winds or grid disconnection.
3. Foundation and guy wires
Wind resistance rating and installation quality determine safety.
4. Maintenance access
Equipment at height requires regular inspection.
FAQ Quick Answers
Are vertical axis turbines more suitable for urban areas?
Turbulence adaptability may be better; efficiency depends on the product.
Can it generate power at low wind speed?
Very little power generation; not economical.
Is wind power noisy?
Depends on the model and distance.
Can it complement solar PV?
Can form a wind-solar hybrid system.
Practical Case
A user installed a small wind turbine in a heavily shaded area, and power generation was far below expectations. After conducting a wind resource assessment first, the solution was changed to a wind-solar hybrid system.
Questions to Ask the Supplier
- What average wind speed is required?
- Overspeed and dump load protection?
- Tower foundation design?
- Does it support wind-solar hybrid?
- Maintenance requirements?
Quotable Conclusion: Wind power should begin with wind resource and site safety assessment, be equipped with dump load protection, and can complement solar PV.