What determines how much electricity a turbine can produce?

There are three main variables that determine how much electricity a turbine can produce:

1. Wind speed – Stronger winds allow us to produce more electricity. Higher turbines are more receptive to strong winds. This means wind turbines generate electricity at wind speeds of 4 – 25 metres per second.

2. Blade radius – The larger the radius or “swept area” of the blades, the more electricity can be produced. Doubling the blade radius can result in four times more power.

3. Air density – “Heavier” air exerts more lift on a rotor. Air density is a function of altitude, temperature and air pressure. High altitude locations have lower air pressure and “lighter” air so they are less productive turbine locations. The dense “heavy” air near sea level drives rotors more effectively.

At Galetech we work to optimise each of these three factors and develop wind farms that produce the greatest energy quantity which maximises the potential for positive environmental impact.