NABCEP NABCEP Wind Energy Site Assessment 2

Question 1

What is 'shadow flicker' in the context of wind turbine installations?

Accepted Answer

The alternating light and shadow caused by rotating turbine blades passing in front of the sun, affecting nearby residences

Answer

Shadow flicker occurs when rotating turbine blades periodically interrupt sunlight reaching nearby windows, creating a strobe-like effect that can be disturbing to occupants; most jurisdictions limit flicker to 30 hours/year.

Question 2

What wind turbine component converts the kinetic energy of wind into rotational mechanical energy?

Accepted Answer

The rotor (hub and blades)

Answer

The rotor — consisting of the hub and blades — captures wind kinetic energy and converts it to shaft rotation, which is then converted to electrical energy by the generator.

Question 3

What does 'capacity factor' mean for a wind turbine installation?

Accepted Answer

The ratio of actual annual energy produced to the theoretical maximum if the turbine ran at full rated power all year

Answer

Capacity factor compares actual output to the theoretical maximum, reflecting how well real-world wind conditions utilize the turbine's full capacity; US land-based wind typically achieves 25–45%.

Question 4

What is the significance of the 'cut-in wind speed' of a wind turbine?

Accepted Answer

The minimum wind speed at which the turbine begins generating electricity

Answer

Cut-in wind speed is the minimum wind speed at which the rotor generates enough torque for the generator to produce useful electricity; below this speed the turbine is idle.

Question 5

What type of permit is typically required before installing a small wind turbine in a residential zone?

Accepted Answer

A zoning or use permit, building permit, and utility interconnection agreement at minimum

Answer

Small wind installations typically require multiple permits: a zoning or special use permit for the structure's height and land use, a building permit for the foundation and tower, and a utility interconnection agreement for grid-tied systems.

NABCEP - North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Practice Test

NABCEP - North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Practice Test

NABCEP NABCEP Wind Energy Site Assessment 2