Tel: +44 (0)845 652 0396
Skyrrid Farm, Pontrilas, Hereford. HR2 0BW. UK
www.leturbines.com
Page 46 of 47
low voltage DC systems due to the amount of currents flowing. Ensure that high quality
shunts are employed for accurate current readings.
Appendix 4: Turbine Site Selection
Turbine Site Selection
The turbine location is a very important factor in the overall performance of your small wind
turbine system. Good site selection will maximise the power that your turbine will be able to
deliver. Installing a wind turbine in a bad position is similar to installing a solar panel system in the
shade – it will not maximise the performance of your investment.
The total amount of energy available in the wind increases drastically with small increases in wind
speed. Therefore it is very important that you site your turbine in the best possible location.
The proposed installation site for your wind turbine must have a good average wind speed of a
minimum of 4.0m/s (9mph) and low wind turbulence. Wind turbulence is caused by obstructions to
the wind such as trees and buildings. Excessive turbulence will hamper the performance of your
turbine. Small wind turbines operate best in steady airflows. Free flowing airstreams are more
consistent in direction and wind speed which results in more overall power being generated by the
wind turbine system. Gusty conditions often result in a turbine ‘hunting’ the wind reducing the
amount of overall power generated. Gusty and turbulent conditions also exert fluctuating forces
upon the turbine that can reduce the reliability and lifespan of the system.
Wind shadowing and barriers: Wind barriers are simply obstacles that impede the flow of the wind
(such as trees and buildings). A large ‘wake’ of turbulent airflow will occur for a long distance
downwind of a barrier. It is not desirable to locate a turbine in this zone.
Topography: For areas of undulating ground, the turbine should be installed in the highest possible
position avoiding wind barriers and turbulence. For areas that are generally flat, the turbine can be
installed in any position. Remember that the LE-450 has a low voltage output, so it is important to
keep the cable run to the batteries / inverter as short as possible.
WIND DIRECTION
OBSTRUCTIONS
TURBULENT
AIRFLOW ZONE
HEIGHT
2 X HEIGHT
20 X HEIGHT
2 X HEIGHT
Summary of Contents for GA-LETU-016
Page 47: ......
