NABCEP NABCEP Wind Energy Site Assessment

Question 1

What is the primary measurement used to evaluate a site's wind energy potential?

Accepted Answer

Mean annual wind speed at hub height

Answer

Average solar irradiance

Answer

Prevailing temperature range

Answer

Soil bearing capacity

Question 2

Why does wind power output increase with height above ground?

Accepted Answer

Surface friction slows wind near the ground; wind speed increases with height due to the wind shear profile

Answer

Higher altitudes have less gravity

Answer

Taller towers receive more sunlight

Answer

Higher elevations always have lower temperatures

Question 3

What is the Rayleigh distribution used for in wind resource assessment?

Accepted Answer

To statistically model the frequency distribution of wind speeds at a site when only mean wind speed data is available

Answer

To calculate turbine structural loads

Answer

To determine tower foundation depth

Answer

To estimate solar irradiance correlation

Question 4

Which federal resource provides publicly available wind resource maps for the contiguous United States?

Accepted Answer

NREL Wind Prospector / Wind Resource Maps

Answer

USGS topographic database

Answer

NOAA hurricane track database

Answer

FAA sectional aeronautical charts

Question 5

What does 'wind rose' data tell a site assessor?

Accepted Answer

The frequency and speed distribution of wind from each compass direction at a site

Answer

The electrical rose diagram of a wind turbine

Answer

The turbine rotor's swept area

Answer

The site's solar azimuth throughout the year

Question 6

What is 'turbine siting setback' and why is it required in many jurisdictions?

Accepted Answer

A minimum distance from a wind turbine to property lines, residences, or roads, required to protect against blade throw, noise, and shadow flicker

Answer

A minimum distance from the turbine to the nearest electrical panel

Answer

The minimum hub height required by the manufacturer

Answer

The distance between turbines in a wind farm