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Real World Math. The Algebra of Wind Turbines. Idaho. Trivia Question : What box office sleeper was filmed in Prescott, Idaho?. Wind Turbine Site. Prescott. How to Build a Wind Turbine. Step 1: Build Some Roads. Step 2: Dig Some Holes. Baylor Grad. Step 3: Put Some Steel in the Holes.
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Real World Math The Algebra of Wind Turbines
Idaho Trivia Question: What box office sleeper was filmed in Prescott, Idaho? Wind Turbine Site Prescott
Step 2: Dig Some Holes Baylor Grad
Algebra Problems 1.) • Calculate volume of cement in cubic yards for the octagonal base • Multiply by the projected number of turbines • Estimate cost for cement required for footings ($100 per cubic yard)
Wind Turbine Foundation Wind Turbine Tower – 80 meters tall Ground Level when complete 3’ 6” Pedestal Side View 2’ Base 2’ 16’ Base Top View Pedestal 14’ 20’ 14’ 48’
Algebra Problems 2.) • Calculate the tip speed of the blade in miles per hour. • Calculate the distance in feet that the blade travels in one hour.
Nacelle Blade Tower Top Tower Mid Tower Base
125 feet 250 feet Blade Speed = 17 rpm
Power output as a function of wind speed The independent x variable is: Wind speed in meters per second The dependent y variable is: Power output in kiloWatts Here’s the basic equation: w = ½ r A v 3 w is power r is air density A is the rotor area v is the wind speed Problem: Solve the equation for r (section 1-3 in Alg II)
a cubic function A: 40% Capacity Factor = 40% of theoretical annual energy output Q: What polynomial function does the graph look like? Capacity Factor Wind Turbine Power Curve Power Output in kW Wind Speed at Hub Height in meters/second