Question

Two sites are being considered for wind power generation. On the first site, the wind blows steadily at 7 m/s for 3000 hours per year. On the second site, the wind blows steadily at 10 m/s for 2000 hours per year. The density of air on the both sites is 1.25 kg/m3 . Assuming the wind power generation is negligible during other times.Calculate the maximum power of wind on each site per unit area, in kW/m2 .

Answer 1

Solution :

Given :

$V_1 = 7 \ m/s$

Operation time, $T_1$ = 3000 hours per year

$V_2 = 10 \ m/s$

Operation time, $T_2$ = 2000 hours per year

The density, ρ = $1.25 \ kg/m^3$

The wind blows steadily. So, the K.E. = $(0.5 \dot{m} V^2)$

                                                             $= \dot{m} \times 0.5 V^2$

The power generation is the time rate of the kinetic energy which can be calculated as follows:

Power = $\Delta \ \dot{K.E.} = \dot{m} \frac{V^2}{2}$

Regarding that $\dot m \propto V$. Then,

Power $\propto V^3$ → Power = constant x $V^3$

Since, $\rho_a$ is constant for both the sites and the area is the same as same winf turbine is used.

For the first site,

Power, $P_1= \text{const.} \times V_1^3$

            $P_1 = \text{const.} \times 343 \ W$

For the second site,

Power, $P_2 = \text{const.} \times V_2^3 \ W$

           $P_2 = \text{const.} \times 1000 \ W$