Question

Estimate the total land requirements for wind farms generating an amount of electric energy equal to 2008 US annual consumption (4.4 × 1012 kWeh) if individual units are rated at 2 MWe , have a rotor with a 100 m diameter, and are spaced 3 diameters side to side, 10 diameters front to rear in giant contiguous wind farms having an annual average capacity factor of 25%. Compare the required area to that of North and South Dakota (combined land area of 145,000 square miles), which have some of the best US wind resources. Discuss the factors that would favor or impede the practical implementation of a Grand Midwestern Wind Farm plan to provide the bulk of US electric energy by the year 2050.

Answer 1

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