Wind Energy Calculator
Estimate annual energy production from a wind turbine based on rotor diameter, wind speed, and capacity factor.
Annual Energy Production
1,295 MWh
Annual Energy Production vs Rotor Diameter
Formule
## How to Calculate Wind Energy Production Wind turbine energy output depends on wind speed, rotor size, and efficiency. ### Formula **Power (W) = 0.5 * Air Density * Swept Area * Wind Speed^3 * Efficiency** **Swept Area = pi * (Diameter/2)^2** **Annual Energy = Power * 8,760 hours * Capacity Factor** The Betz limit caps theoretical efficiency at 59.3%. Modern turbines achieve about 40% (Cp = 0.4). Capacity factor accounts for variable wind conditions.
Exemple Résolu
An 80m rotor wind turbine in 7 m/s average wind with 35% capacity factor.
- 01Swept area: pi * (80/2)^2 = 5,027 m2
- 02Theoretical power: 0.5 * 1.225 * 5,027 * 7^3 * 0.4 = 423,096 W = 423 kW
- 03Annual energy: 423 * 8,760 * 0.35 = 1,296 MWh
- 04Homes powered: 1,296 / 10.5 = 123 homes
Questions Fréquentes
What is capacity factor?
Capacity factor is the ratio of actual energy produced to theoretical maximum if the turbine ran at full power 24/7. Onshore wind averages 25-45%, offshore 40-55%.
Why does wind speed matter so much?
Power scales with the cube of wind speed (speed^3). Doubling wind speed increases power 8x. This is why turbine siting is critical.
How tall are modern wind turbines?
Modern onshore turbines have hub heights of 80-120 meters and rotor diameters of 80-170 meters. Offshore turbines can exceed 260m total height.