Figure 8.5 shows the annual energy production E(d, w) (in kilowatt-hours) of a wind turbine as a function of its diameter, d, (in feet) and three different wind speeds, w, (in mph).

(a) Estimate E(15, 12) and explain what information it gives us.
(b) For a wind turbine of diameter 10 feet, how much does annual energy production increase when the wind speed increases from 12 mph to 15 mph?
(c) If the wind is blowing at 12 mph, how much more energy does a 15-ft-diameter turbine generate than a 10-ft-diameter turbine?
(d) You have a 10-ft-diameter wind turbine in a location where the wind is 12 mph. Which would produce the biggest increase in energy production?
• Replacing your 10-ft turbine with a 15-ft turbine in the same location.
• Moving your 10-ft turbine to a new location where the wind is 15 mph.

Transcribed Image Text:

annual energy (kWh) 8000 6000 4000 2000 0 5 10 Figure 8.5 E(d, 15) E(d, 12) 15 20 E(d, 9) d (feet)