Question
Typical wind turbines convert wind energy to electricity with a conversion efficiency of 30%, and possess rotor diameters of 150 meters. In Oregon, the average
Typical wind turbines convert wind energy to electricity with a conversion efficiency of 30%, and possess rotor diameters of 150 meters. In Oregon, the average offshore wind speed is 8 meters/sec (18 mph) at 90 meters altitude, a common height for the central hub of the turbine. Under these conditions, the wind power density is about 600 W/m2, where the area refers to the area swept out by the blades. (a) How much electrical energy, in kWh, can one offshore wind turbine generate in one year? (b) In a recent year, the state of Oregon consumed 46.7 TWh of electrical energy. If one turbine can be installed per square kilometer, how much offshore ocean area would be needed to meet the state's electricity requirement completely with wind? If the entire length of the Oregon coastline is occupied by wind turbines, about how far offshore would the turbines have to extend?
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