A wind generator with a 30-ft-diameter blade span has a cut-in wind speed (minimum speed for power generation) of 7 mph, at which velocity the turbine generates 0.4 kW of electric power (Fig. 6–23)....

A wind generator with a 30-ft-diameter blade span has a cut-in wind speed (minimum speed for power generation) of 7 mph, at which velocity the turbine generates 0.4 kW of electric power (Fig. 6–23). Determine (a) the efficiency of the wind turbine–generator unit and (b) the horizontal force exerted by the wind on the supporting mast of the wind turbine. What is the effect of doubling the wind velocity to 14 mph on power generation and the force exerted? Assume the efficiency remains the same, and take the density of air to be 0.076 lbm/ft³.

FIGURE 6–23 Schematic for Example 6–5.