Wind Turbine Calculator
Calculate power output, efficiency, revenue, and torque for HAWT and VAWT wind turbines
🌪️ Turbine Configuration
Blades rotate around horizontal axis - most common type
Swept area: 38.5 m²
5.0 kW rated
💨 Wind Conditions
Usable range: 3-25 m/s
Sea level: 1.225 kg/m³
⚙️ Efficiency & Losses
Max theoretical: 59.3% (Betz limit)
Typical: 3-10%
Typical: 0-0.3%
Typical: 1-1.5%
Typical: 3-10%
Typical: 2-3%
💰 Economic Parameters
📊 Performance Results
Outstanding Performance
Outstanding performance - exceptional wind resource
Power Output Analysis
⚡ Energy Production
💰 Revenue Analysis
🔧 Torque Analysis
🌍 Environmental Impact (Annual)
💨 Wind Speed Guide
⚙️ Typical Efficiency Ranges
📊 Capacity Factor Guide
🔧 Current Setup
Understanding Wind Turbine Performance
HAWT vs VAWT
Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWT) are the most common type, with blades rotating around a horizontal axis. They typically achieve higher efficiency (30-45%) but require maintenance at height and are subject to alternating loads.
Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT) rotate around a vertical axis, making them suitable for urban environments and easier to maintain. However, they generally have lower efficiency (20-40%) and can be more complex to manufacture.
Power Calculation Method
Wind power is calculated using: P = 0.5 × ρ × v³ × A, where ρ is air density, v is wind speed (cubed!), and A is swept area. The cubic relationship with wind speed means small increases in wind speed create large increases in power output.
Efficiency Factors
Total efficiency depends on multiple factors: turbine design efficiency (limited by Betz limit of 59.3%), wake losses from nearby turbines, mechanical losses in gearbox and bearings, electrical losses in generator and power electronics, transmission losses, and availability losses due to maintenance.
Economic Viability
Wind projects typically require capacity factors above 30% for economic viability. Revenue depends on electricity prices, which vary significantly by region and market structure. Consider installation costs, maintenance expenses, and local incentives when evaluating project economics.