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Spanbroekerweg 162
1715 GV Spanbroek
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+31 226 425 150
info@windenergysolutions.nl
Wind turbines with a hubheight of 15 meter, installing 1 mid-size or 2 or 3 small wind turbines?
Previously, we wrote about the difference between 2-bladed wind turbines and 3-bladed wind turbines. Briefly: not the number of blades, but the rotor surface determines the energy yield of a wind turbine. You can read this and more on our website.
In this blog, I will take you along in the choice between installing 1 medium and 2 or 3 small wind turbines. Why? We regularly notice that 2 or even 3 small wind turbines are installed, instead of 1 medium-sized one. In this blog, we will sum up the differences step by step.
As in the top of this blog, our medium-sized wind turbine is also available with a tower height of 15 meters, so it can be easily fitted into the policy plan that is currently in force in a large number of municipalities in the Netherlands.
Current and future energy consumption
An investment in a wind turbine is an investment for the long term. So, not only the current energy consumption is decisive, more important is the energy consumption in the future.
For example, if you have an energy consumption of 65,000 kWh per year in your current situation, and combined with your expansion plans, the future energy consumption will become 95,000 kWh, you should base your choice on the highest numbers.
An investment in a wind turbine is an investment for the long term (at least 20 years), so try to keep an eye on the future when you are about to make a choice.
Businesscase
Prior to an investment, it is wise to draw up a business case. In a business case, in addition to investment, any tax regulations, investment contributions, and certainly also the annual costs for maintenance are included.
Always review and assess the business case over a long period of time. If we compare the yields of 1 medium-sized wind turbine with 2 or 3 small wind turbines, we see that the yields per year, and certainly also in the long term after deduction of the investment, are greater.
The WES wind turbines (former Lagerwey wind turbine) have proven themselves since the 1980s, and have a lifespan from at least 25 years. Be sure to include this experience in lifespan in your considerations.
Powercurve
The energy yield prediction of a WES turbine is very reliable. The power curve of a WES wind turbine is achieved in 99% of cases, which guarantees an easily predictable annual energy yield. References from installed turbines can be shared.
Maintenance
A cherry picker is usually required for the maintenance of small wind turbines, in contrast to maintenance of the WES wind turbines. WES wind turbines are equipped with a ladder attached at the tower, so that the maintenance technicians can also carry out maintenance at the top of the wind turbine without a cherry picker. No ‘hassle’ with aerial work platforms, any wet surface and therefore carrying capacity for this. In addition, when choosing 1 medium-sized wind turbine, only 1 wind turbine needs maintenance, compared to 2 or 3 wind turbines under maintenance when choosing 2 or 3 small wind turbines.
The maintenance of WES wind turbines is carried out by WES mechanics or by one of our experienced maintenance partners.
Turbine on your land
How much space do you have on and around your yard? Two or three small wind turbines take up more space at your land than 1 mid-size wind turbine. This takes up more space in your yard, especially when you realize that there must be a minimum distance between the wind turbines, and that this space must remain free between the wind turbines. (distance must be 4 x rotor diameter so that one wind turbine does not affect the other).
Robust, proven quality
The lifecycle of a WES turbine is at least 25 years and has a proven track record (several examples of 30+ years). In addition, we also mention the WES control cabinet, which complies with the IEC61346-2000 standard.
The WES wind turbine is proven technology (since 1983), installed more than 1250 times worldwide. Experience shows that WES wind turbines and certainly also its predecessor, the 2-bladed Lagerwey’s, have good payback returns.