Page 297 - Handbook of Energy Engineering Calculations
P. 297
FIGURE 4 Typical performance curves for different types of wind
machines. (Mechanical Engineering.)
4. Determine the typical capital cost of this machine
Figures 5 and 6 show typical capital costs for small conventional wind
machines. Larger wind machines, such as the one being considered here, are
estimated to have a cost of $150,000 for a 100-kW unit, or $1500 per
kilowatt. Such costs may be safely used in first approximations with the base-
year cost given in the illustration being suitably adjusted by a factor for
inflation.
Related Calculations. Use this general procedure to choose wind machines
for other duties—pumping, battery charging, supplying power to utility lines,
etc. Be certain to check with manufacturers to determine whether the
calculated results agree with actual practice in the field. In general, good
agreement will be found to exist.
Wind power is a renewable, nonpolluting energy source in plentiful supply
in certain parts of the world. For example, a recent report by the Union of
Concerned Scientists points out that four states—Kansas, Nebraska, and
North and South Dakota—have enough wind to generate—in theory—all the
electricity needed in the United States today.
