What makes wind turbines more effective on WARP?
Several factors come into play. First, the rotors operate in an effective wind speed of over 1.5 to 1.8 times that of the ambient wind. Secondly, the blades experience higher wind at their tip region for better start-up and torque. Third, rotors are shielded from precipitation and icing which has been shown by NASA to cut performance over 10% to 20%. Fourth, blades are protected from lightning, thus eliminating problematic lightning protection systems of large bladed windmills. Fifth, smaller, higher RPM rotors can be more rugged and robust. Sixth, no performance robbing and costly step-up gearboxes are required.
