Renewable Energy Practice Test: Wind Turbine Siting — Flashcards

Wind turbines can be built on land, on lakes or in the ocean, in remote wilderness, within cities, or across vast plains. Large wind turbines are placed on towers that range from about 500 feet to as high as 900 feet tall.

The location of a wind turbine is determined by a process called micrositing.

Micositing considers several requirements, including:
Wind resource: The average annual wind speed should be more than 3 m/s, and the operating wind speed should be more than 4 m/s.
Distance from other wind turbines and neighbors: Wind turbines should be at least 10 times the height of any obstacles, or on a tower that is at least twice that height.
Distance from residents: Wind turbines should be far enough away from residents to avoid negative environmental impacts, but close enough to have access to power and transportation infrastructure.
Terrain and topography: The best locations are on the tops of smooth, rounded hills, open plains, and water. Elevated areas, such as hills and coastal regions, are known for their strong and consistent winds.
Ground conditions: The area should have few, if any, trees, structures, or large boulders.
Access to the electricity grid: The site should have access to the electricity grid and be able to support construction and operations.