Rutland FM1803-2
Installation & Operation
Document No: SM-146 Issue G 01.11.20
Marlec Engineering Co Ltd
5
SITING THE WINDCHARGER
The location and height of the tower for the wind turbine will be a major factor in the overall
performance, energy yield and lifetime of the system. The smooth flow of wind over land is
often interrupted by a multitude of obstructions causing wind sheer and turbulence.
Wind sheer describes the interference between the fast-moving upper air and the slow-moving
air close to the ground and the resulting decrease in average wind speed as one gets closer to
the ground. Turbulence is caused by the wind passing over obstructions such as trees and
buildings.
Both wind sheer and turbulence diminish with height and can be overcome simply by locating
the turbine high above them in an area as free as possible from disturbed wind flow. Bear in
mind that downwind obstructions can be as detrimental to performance as upwind
obstructions (Fig.1).
Fig.1