Why is wind power a key component of decarbonization strategies?
It supports electrification, hydrogen, and e-fuel strategies as a renewable domestic energy source.
Why is wind power considered non-dispatchable?
It cannot be controlled to meet fluctuating energy demand.
Why does wind power increase system flexibility requirements?
Because it is variable and intermittent, requiring backup and grid adaptation.
What challenge does the Finnish power system illustrate for renewables?
Variability in supply and the need for balancing different sources like nuclear, cogeneration, and wind.
Why is planning and forecasting important for wind power?
Because demand and supply vary geographically and seasonally, affecting system performance, economics, and resilience.
How is wind energy converted to electricity?
Wind’s kinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy by blades and rotor, then into electrical energy.
What technology do wind turbine blades rely on?
Foil technology, similar to airplane wings.
What are the three main energy conversions in a wind turbine?
Kinetic energy → mechanical energy → electrical energy.
What does Betz’s Law state about wind turbines?
No turbine can capture more than 59.3% (16/27) of the wind’s kinetic energy.
What is the theoretical maximum efficiency of wind energy extraction according to Betz’s Law?
59.3% of the kinetic energy of the wind.
What does the power coefficient Cp represent?
The ratio of extracted power to the available wind kinetic energy.
What does Vrelative = Vwind – Vblade describe?
The relative velocity of wind with respect to the blade motion.
What does the anemometer measure on a wind turbine?
Wind velocity and direction, sending data to the controller.
What factors influence wind speed data collection?
Seasonal variation
daily distribution
location
altitude
surrounding surface roughness
Why is turbine spacing important in wind farms?
To reduce wake effects and define capacity density, typically 5–5.5 MW/km² offshore and 2–4 MW/km² onshore.
What does the distribution of full load hours illustrate?
How many hours turbines can operate at rated capacity, depending on hub height (80m onshore, 120m offshore).
What are key components adjusted by the turbine controller?
Yaw drive
brake
gearbox
generator
What does the generator in a wind turbine produce?
Alternating current (AC).
What is the main advantage of Savonius turbines?
Simple and cheap design, but less efficient.
What is the main advantage of Darrieus turbines?
Better efficiency at higher rotational speeds.
What do hybrid vertical designs aim to achieve?
Combine positive aspects of Savonius and Darrieus types.
Why don’t vertical axis turbines need constant realignment?
They can capture wind from any direction.
Why are vertical axis turbines suitable for small-scale use?
They perform better in turbulent and distributed wind flow.
How can vertical axis turbines have higher farm power density?
Dense clustering allows 6–9 times higher power density compared to horizontal systems under ideal spacing.
