Wind Power

The UK has 40% of the total wind energy resource in Europe.

The UK has 40% of the total wind energy resource in Europe. Power from the wind is proportional to the cube of the wind speed, therefore, variations in wind speed can result in large changes in potential output. Wind speed also increases with height. The ideal siting is a smooth-top hill with a flat clear exposure free from turbulence.

Wind Turbines - Specifications
Type of System Turbines vary in size, typical turbine ratings are 1kW to 15kW: Small wind turbines produce d.c. electricity. Doubling the swept area of the blades increases power output by a factor of four. Doubling the wind speed increases the output by a factor of eight.
System Costs 2.5kW turbine costs £15,000. 6kW turbine = £25,000.
Energy savings 2.5kW = 2,000 - 4,000kWh/yr 6kW = 8,000 to 20,000 kWh/yr
Development Issues planning consent, visual impact, wildlife impacts, and noise.
More information UK Windspeed database www.bwea.com British Wind Energy Association (BWEA) www.bwea.com CE72 Integrating small wind powered electricity generating systems

Wind Turbines - Specifications

Type of System

Turbines vary in size, typical turbine ratings are 1kW to 15kW:

Small wind turbines produce d.c. electricity.
Doubling the swept area of the blades increases power output by a factor of four.
Doubling the wind speed increases the output by a factor of eight.