Can Wind turbines respond to changes in demand by raising or lowing energy out put?

Answer 1

To add to what ZORCH wrote;

The blades also "autofeather" when there is a malfunction with the equipment. This minimizes the potential additional damage that a turning turbine could do to itself.

The turbines don't really have the ability to "raise" their energy output. Electrical output is governed by a turbine's rated output capability (the theoretical MAX electrical generating capability for that particular turbine) and the current wind speed.

For example, say the turbine max output was 1.5 megawatts when the wind maintained 33 knots. So if the wind was blowing a steady 20 knots, that would be 60.6% of the total rated output, or around 909 kilowatts (.909 megawatt).

Now if the current electrical demand was such that it didn't need that much additional current into the grid, the computers at the controling station would tell the turbine to feather its blades slightly to lower that turbine's output, say to only 500 kilowatts. On the other hand, if the demand was greater, that turbine could only provide the 909 kilowatts, and the remainder would need to be supplemented from another source, like a neighboring turbine, or a conventional powerplant somewhere else within the grid.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

The ones in the wind farms in the hills overlooking Tracy, CA, can be remotely "feathered", that is, their propellers can have their pitch changed. Often they are set to "full feather", meaning that the blades are parallel to the wind and the turbine doesn't turn at all. All done remotely according to the wind conditions and the demand for electricity.

Answer 3

The solution is the sun... look up lots of info on solar power....

It has the most potential. Zero Emissions. and can supply the entire planet with enough power as long as our solar system exists.....

and just imagine the possibility of unlimited free energy...
Thats when you start thinking about flying cars and robots. though that would be far that would defitnatly be a huge step in that direction....

also unlimited energy from the sun will slow down wars for global resources and will improve the conditions of ALL 3rd world nations who get access to it.

Answer 4

Larger ones can, provided that there is enough wind,
to meet the increases and the required controls are installed for the purpose.