1. Wind Micrositing
Where to put it

2. Step 1: Resource Assessment
Average annual wind speed at the proposed hub height is critical
Wind maps
Existing data
Use wind shear equation to extrapolate wind speed from a lower height to hub height
Measure
Anemometer, wind vane, temp, logger
Flagging, interview locals

4. Step 2: What do you want to do?

5. Rule 1: Minimize Turbulence
Turbulence cuts performance by reducing the effectiveness of the blades

6. Mountain Rule: Avoid Cliffs
AutoFurl (passive furling) needs horizontal flow through the rotor

7. Rule 2: Minimum Tower Height
“Micro-Siting” refers to how a wind turbine is placed on a given property.
Trees and buildings are significant obstacles to the wind.
We can’t see it, but the region of disturbed flow downwind of an obstacle is twice the height of that obstacle and quite long. For example, a 30-ft tall house creates a region of turbulence that is 60 ft high and 600 ft long (2 football fields!).
This turbulence reduces power output from a wind turbine, and increases the stress and wear on that turbine.
THE SOLUTION  Place the turbine upwind of obstacles (in the prevailing wind direction), or use a tower twice the height of the obstacles, or both.
30’ above obstructions within 300 – 500’

8. Tower Height Depends on Terrain

9. Rule 3: Stay upwind of obstacles
Know the prevailing wind direction
The turbine would like a clear view in that direction

10. Rule 4: Compromise The wind blows from all directions
There may not be the “perfect” spot
The goal is to maximize your wind resource

11. Rule 5: Voltage and wire run
Think about the wire run
Raising the system voltage gives you more flexibility in tower placement

12. Visualizing the Turbulence
Use a kite or balloon with streamers

13. Measuring Heights
Shadow method

14. Measuring Heights
Friend and Pen
Tree Height

15. Recap