Answer to Question #129160 in Physical geography for Juanita

Question

A wind turbine has a 1mw rated power output at standard air density(20°c,1atm). Evaluate the effect of change of power production if the turbine operates at a freezing temperature of -10°c.

Answer 1

The density of air at 20°C is 1.2041 kg/ cubic meter, while at -10°C it is 1.3413 kg/m³. Higher density leads to lower turbine starting speeds and thus increases efficiency of a turbine. The increase in this problem will be

$$k=\frac{\rho_{-10}}{\rho_{20}}=\frac{1.3413}{1.2041}=1.114.$$

It means that the power output at -10°C will be 1.114 MW.