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We just timed the four turbines in Atlantic City, NJ. The tip of the blade will of course spin faster than the base since it has further to travel, so that is what we will calculate.
Guesstimating that the blade is 120 ft. in length, we need to find the circumference of the circle described by the spinning blade tip. The formula for the circumference is 2¶r or two times the radius of the circle (which is the diameter) * pi (about 3.1415). So 2*120ft.=240ft. for the diameter. 240*3.1415=753.96ft for the circumference.
Since the blade travels that distance in 4 seconds, the ft/sec traveled is (753.96/4=188.49ft/sec). To get that speed in miles/hour multiply (188.49 ft/s * 0.681818182).
So the blade tip is traveling at about 128.5 mph!
Which is a little bit slow... They typically (company statement) rotate between 15 and 20 rpm so: 60s/m / 15 rev/m = 4 s/rev and likewise 20 rpm corresponds to 3 s/rev.
Measuring the blades laying flat on the ground in a construction yard in Google Earth results in an approximate length of 126 ft to 128.6 ft. HOWEVER, you also have to account for the hub that these are attached to. Measuring this is a bit more difficult as I couldn't find one where the perspective was perfect so I got between 3 and 4 feet for the radius of the hub. This results in an overall radius of between 129 ft and 132.6 ft. c=2*pi*r gives 810.53 ft to 833.15 ft. Dividing by the time to travel this distance (3-4s) gives 202.63 ft/s to 277.72 ft/s. Multiply this answer by 3600s/hr / 5280 ft/mi. to get it into mph.
Which gives a range of 138.16 mph to 189.35 mphfor the blade tip. Which seems very, very fast when you stand directly under it with it swinging at your face!
Side note: Some people complain about noise from them. Honestly I couldn't here anything over the howling of the wind.
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How fast do wind turbines spin on average per minute?
It all depends on a number of factors, such as one of the most important ones being number of blades. Common wind turbines have varying amounts, so when you ask how fast on average, the question must be specified.
What causes turbines spin?
Turbines spin due to the force of a moving fluid, such as wind or water, causing the blades to rotate. This rotation is then converted into mechanical energy that can be used to generate electricity in wind turbines or hydroelectric plants.
How fast wind turbines spin?
Wind turbines typically spin at speeds ranging from 10 to 20 revolutions per minute (RPM) under normal operating conditions. The exact speed depends on factors like wind speed and the design of the turbine. The rotational speed is optimized to generate maximum electricity output efficiently.
Do wind turbines spin faster or slower in light winds?
Wind turbines spin slower in light winds because there is not enough force to drive the blades. As wind speed increases, the turbines spin faster to generate more electricity.
Why do wind turbines spin?
Wind turbines spin because of the force of the wind turning the blades. The wind pushes the blades, causing them to rotate. This rotation is then converted into electricity through a generator within the turbine.
