what is the size of a wind turbine
Wind turbine design Typical modern wind turbines have diameters of 40 to 90 metres (130 to 300 ft) and are rated between 500 kW and 2 MW. As of 2014 the most powerful turbine, the Vestas V-164, is rated at 8 MW and has a rotor diameter of 164m.[10]
Automated airport weather station Unlike all other measurements, which are made near between 3 and 9 feet (1 and 3 meters) above the ground, wind speed and direction are measured at 30 feet (10 meters).
Wind power in the United States The Alta Wind Energy Center in California is the largest wind farm in the United States with a capacity of 1,548 MW.[6] GE Power is the largest domestic wind turbine manufacturer.[7]
Wind turbine design Older style wind generators rotate at a constant speed, to match power line frequency, which allowed the use of less costly induction generators.[citation needed] Newer wind turbines often turn at whatever speed generates electricity most efficiently. The varying output frequency and voltage can be matched to the fixed values of the grid using multiple technologies such as doubly fed induction generators or full-effect converters where the variable frequency current produced is converted to DC and then back to AC. Although such alternatives require costly equipment and cause power loss, the turbine can capture a significantly larger fraction of the wind energy. In some cases, especially when turbines are sited offshore, the DC energy will be transmitted from the turbine to a central (onshore) inverter for connection to the grid.