Question

At what range of speed is the electricity from the wind turbine is generated?

(a) 100 – 125 mph

(b) 450 – 650 mph

(c) 250 – 450 mph

(d) 30-35 mph

This question was posed to me in final exam.

The question is from Generation of Wind Energy in chapter Wind Energy of Energy Engineering

Answer 1

The correct option is (d) 30-35 mph

Easy explanation: Wind turbines are designed with cut-in wind speeds and cut-out speeds i.e. the wind speeds when the turbines start turning or shut off to prevent drive train damage. Typically, maximum electric generations occurs at speeds of 30-35mph.