Torque and Chrome

how much torque is required to turn a large wind turbine?

given pressure needed at 10 foot increments along a 50 foot rod. Example: as using a long torque wrench.

Public Comments

1. a MEDIUM ONE!!
2. If the machine is well designed, most of the torque will be generating electricity, which can be easily measured, so a highly precise value of the total torque (at any particular speed) can be obtained. As for the torque loading at specific places along the airfoils, no good answer can be given without knowing their aerodynamics.
3. The largest turbines run at about 750kW at 60 rpm (see source). 60rpm = 6 rad/s power = torque * rotational velocity 750,000W = T * 6/s T = 125kN m = 92,000 ft. lbs.
4. ask jesus he is good with those kind of things
5. in general, i believe rotor torque on a wind turbine is equal to the power output divided by the rotor circum. speed. but, if you want an exact answer (as in your torque wrench example), you will need to know the power coefficient of the blades, the efficiency of the drivetrain/alternator/generator, the air density (at the altitude and temperature) of the site, the rated wind speed of the system in question, and the diameter of the blades. if you are looking for the simple answer to your torque question. then, here is a an example: if it takes 50 ft-bs of torque to turn the rod then it requires 1lb of force at 50ft, 2lb at 25, 5lbs at 10. torque=force*distance from point of rotation. pressure would just be that force over a given area(psi)