On each piece of land for a planned wind farm, you need to determine how to place wind turbines in order to maximize the amount of electricity generated.
Each wind turbine will face into the prevailing winds. Each turbine needs space to the left, right, and behind, forming a T-shaped footprint, to operate. The footprint for each wind turbine must fit completely onto the piece of land.
According to the specific topology of the land, some places (designated in blue) have more consistent winds than the surrounding area. Wind turbines placed on these squares will produce 50% more electricity compared to those placed on other squares. Note that only the wind turbine needs to be placed on a blue square, not the entire T-shaped operating footprint.
Instead of simply placing the maximum number of wind turbines on a piece of land, strategically placing fewer turbines in windier places may result in more electricity being generated. If two layouts produce the same amount of electricity, the better solution uses fewer wind turbines.
energy output = 7 units |
energy output = 7.5 units |
You may want to start by trying to pack in as many T-shaped footprints as you can, and then start removing them to startegically place turbines on the windier blue squares. Or, you may want to start by placing turbines on the windier blue squares, then see how many many more T-shaped footprints you can squeeze onto the piece of land.
To buy electricity generated from renewable resources, like wind power, contact your local power company. If they only generate electricity through the use of fossil fuels: 1) encourage them to offer more choices; 2) contact your national, state, and local representatives; and 3) buy renewable energy credits.
To find out how you can help solve the global climate crisis, go to The We Campaign, a project of the Alliance for Climate Protection.
Last Updated : April 22, 2008
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