Wind turbines generate more power behind the hills

Amador Palacios
2 min readAug 5, 2021

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Surprising, but it seems to be true. According to a study published by the University of Twente (Netherlands) wind turbines that are behind the hills and at a certain distance from the top are capable of generating up to 24% more electrical energy than those installed in the same top.

In general we can see that wind turbines are placed at high points or in valleys where the wind circulates regularly, but this study may change the placement of new turbines in the future.

The simulation was done with a 90 meter high turbine and 63 meter long blades. The turbine was 763 meters behind the hill which is 6 times the diameter of the turbine blades, and the top of the hill was 90 meters above the base of the turbine.

The following photo shows the turbulence at the top and how the wind regroups after the hill; and the installation distance of the turbine coincides with the place where the wind is reinforced after passing over the top.

Placing the turbines in these positions prevents them from suffering the turbulence that occurs at the top and at the same time makes better use of the winds.

It should be noted that this study is a simulation and that it must be validated with reality, which I do not doubt will do.

For a long time in the Netherlands they have been at the forefront of wind technology and I see that they continue to work into the subject.

For something they have Vestas there, which is one of the most important companies in the sector.

As I often say, things do not happen by chance, but due to serious and continued work.

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Amador Palacios
Amador Palacios

Written by Amador Palacios

I am an electronic engineer with more than 40 years working in industry. I like to reflect on Technological and Social issues

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