Which factors will affect the annual energy output of the wind turbine?
1. Annual average wind speed:
It is an important factor determining annual energy output. In general, if the wind speed is higher, the rotor speed will become faster, so the output energy will be increased. On the contrary, when wind speed is lower, the rotor will become slower.
2. Tower height:
If the tower is taller, the wind speed will be higher and so as the energy output. If the tower is shorter, the wind speed will be lower and the same is to the energy output.
3. Air density:
When air density is lower, the strength of the wind will be weaker, and the starting wind speed and rated wind speed will be increased, and as a result the annual energy output will be less. On the contrary, when air density is higher, the annual energy output will be more.
4. Wind shear exponent:
It is a parameter that can measure the wind speed and installing height. The best hub height can be chosen depending on it. If the wind shear exponent is too big, the wind load on the swept area of the blade will be imbalanced, which will lead the blades and nacelle to a shorter life span and operating security problems.
5. The power of wind turbine:
Wind turbine power is a main factor influencing annual energy output. When the power is greater, the output energy will be more. On the contrary, when the power is weaker, the output energy will be less.
6. Installing height:
The turbine can be installed on the ground or on the roof, which can also affect the output energy. So the turbine installed on the roof can operate better with the help of the height of the building than on the ground at the same condition.
7. Annual valid operating period:
As is known to all, when the operating period is longer, the annual energy output will be more. By contrast, when the operating period is shorter, the output energy will be also less.
8. External temperature:
Within the temperature range from -20 degrees to 50 degrees, the wind turbine can operate regularly. However, when the temperature is beyond this range, it will influence the output energy. If the temperature is too high, the air density will be low, which will lessen the energy output. If the temperature is too low, the blades and other parts might be frozen, and the wind turbine will stop working.