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Efficiency: Difference between revisions
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Thermal plants (e.g., nuclear and coal) are rather inefficient, with around two-thirds of the energy released from their fuel being lost to heat. But they can have a very high capacity factor, particularly if they are used to provide [[Electrical grid|base load]]. | Thermal plants (e.g., nuclear and coal) are rather inefficient, with around two-thirds of the energy released from their fuel being lost to heat. But they can have a very high capacity factor, particularly if they are used to provide [[Electrical grid|base load]]. | ||
Wind turbines, on the other hand can be quite efficient, capturing and converting most of the energy from the wind that is physically possible (the [[wikipedia:Betz%27s_law|Betz limit]]), although only at a rather narrow range of wind speed. | Wind turbines, on the other hand, can be quite efficient, capturing and converting most of the energy from the wind that is physically possible (the [[wikipedia:Betz%27s_law|Betz limit]]), although only at a rather narrow range of wind speed. | ||
At wind speeds slower than ideal, there is not enough wind energy to generate power at the full rate of the wind turbine’s design. | At wind speeds slower than ideal, there is not enough wind energy to generate power at the full rate of the wind turbine’s design. | ||
At faster wind speeds, the blades must be pitched | At faster wind speeds, the blades must be pitched so that their rotation rate remains constant, thus reducing efficiency. | ||
The result is that wind turbines have a rather low [[capacity factor]] of 25%–35%, and that is due to the intermittent and variable wind instead of the demands of the [[Electrical grid|grid]]. | The result is that wind turbines have a rather low [[capacity factor]] of 25%–35%, and that is due to the intermittent and variable wind instead of the demands of the [[Electrical grid|grid]]. | ||
''See also:'' [[Availability]]. | ''See also:'' [[Availability]]. | ||