How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the Wind Speed in meters per second (m/s). This is the average speed of the wind blowing on the turbine.
- Enter the Blade Diameter in meters (m). This is the total width of the turbine blades when they are rotating.
- The Air Density is already set to the standard sea level value (1.225 kg/m³), but you can adjust it if needed.
- Click the Calculate button to compute the power output.
- The calculator will display the swept area and the power output in both watts (W) and kilowatts (kW).
Understanding Wind Power
Wind power is generated when wind flows across the blades of a turbine, causing them to rotate. This rotation drives a generator to produce electricity. The amount of power that can be generated depends on several factors:
Key Factors Affecting Wind Power
- Wind Speed: Wind power increases dramatically with wind speed. Specifically, power is proportional to the cube of the wind speed (v³). This means if wind speed doubles, power output increases by eight times.
- Blade Diameter: Larger blades can capture more wind, increasing the swept area and thus the power output.
- Air Density: Air density affects how much mass of air passes through the turbine per second. Higher density (due to lower temperature or higher altitude) increases power output.
The formula used in this calculator is:
P = 0.5 × ρ × A × v³
Practical Applications
This calculator can help you:
- Estimate the potential power output of a wind turbine based on its specifications.
- Compare different turbine designs by inputting their blade diameters at the same wind speed.
- Understand how environmental factors like altitude (which affects air density) impact wind power generation.