Technology Status - NET Nowak Energie & Technologie AG

Cost in € (1999) per kW
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
0
Figure 61
Specific Investment Cost of Danish Wind Turbines as a Function of
Capacity [kW]
Source: DEA.
The following facts illustrate the up-scaling and design improvements worldwide
from 1985 to 2000:
● the average hub height rose from 28 m to 55 m;
● the installed swept area increased from 1.7 m2 to 2.5 m2 per kW;
● the average installed capacity grew from 3 MW.
R&D activities by government and industry have contributed to major design
improvements and increased the techno-economic performance of wind
turbines. The overall system efficiency of present commercial wind turbines
is close to what is theoretically feasible. Such improvements to overall
system efficiency have been achieved by greater aerodynamic efficiency of
the rotor blades, the use of high-efficiency electric conversion systems and
better matching of the wind turbine rating to the local wind regime.
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Capacity in kW
Turbine cost in € 1999 per kW Other Cost in € 1999 per kW
WIND POWER
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