Wind Turbine Cut-In Speed

February 21, 2012

Just because they are spinning does not mean that they are generating power!

Buyer’s beware!  Knowing the exact cut-it speed of a horizontal axis wind turbine is one of the most crucial terms to understand when purchasing a wind turbine.

The cut-in speed is the wind speed required for a particular wind turbine to begin to generate electric power.    The start-up speed is the wind speed at which the wind turbine blades will begin to rotate.  The cut-in speed is always greater than the start-up speed.

If a manufacturer is promoting a low start-up speed for a wind turbine then the buyer should be skeptical.  A  low start-up speed does very little to enhance the overall electric production of a wind turbine.  A lower cut-in speed, however, can greatly increase electrical output in the long run by providing electrical power in a wider range of speeds.

The furling speed is the wind speed at which a horizontal axis wind turbine will shut down because not all wind turbines can perform effectively in high wind speeds.  Extremely high wind speed areas will actually be more efficiently exploited with a vertical axis wind turbine because they have much higher furling speeds than the horizontal turbine.

Remember, just because they are spinning does not mean that they are producing electricity.  Purchasing a wind turbine requires precise analysis of statistical wind data and a strong scientific understanding of how wind turbines work and operate.  Make sure to do your research!