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Energy potential and early operational experience for large wind turbinesProjections for the total potential output of large wind turbines in the U.S. are reviewed. NASA has developed nine large windpowered generators, of 100 kW, 200 kW, 2 MW, and 2.5 MW capacities, with rotors 100-300 ft in diameter, and all with horizontal axes. Approximately 214,000 sq miles of the U.S. have been determined as having substantial wind regimes and terrain suitable for large wind turbine siting. This translates into 340,000 Mod 2 (2.5 MW) wind turbines producing 4.9 quads of electricity annually, equivalent to saving 2.5 billion barrels of oil/yr. The cost of electricity is seen as the critical factor in utility acceptance of large wind turbines, and the Mod 2 machines are noted to achieve the 2-4 cents/kWh (1977 dollars) COE which is necessary. Problems such as pollution, including visual, auditory, EM, and land use difficulties are considered, and solutions are indicated.
Document ID
19820034092
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Robbins, W. H.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Thomas, R. L.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1980
Subject Category
Energy Production And Conversion
Meeting Information
Meeting: In: American Wind Energy Association, National Conference
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Start Date: June 8, 1980
End Date: June 11, 1980
Accession Number
82A17627
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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