Tower Height Optimization Calculator
Calculate wind speed and power increase from a taller tower.
Inputs
m/s
ft
ft
ft
%
Results
Wind Speed at Hub
8.03 m/s
Power Increase
139.5%
Power at Target Height637.1 kW
Power at Ref Height266 kW
Additional Annual kWh3,250,534 kWh
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the measured wind speed at the reference height.
- Set the reference height and the proposed tower hub height.
- Input the Hellmann exponent (roughness coefficient) for your terrain type.
- Review the estimated wind speed at hub height and the improvement factor.
- Taller towers consistently deliver better economics — optimize within structural and permitting constraints.
How the result changes with Reference Wind Speed
| Reference Wind Speed | Wind Speed at Hub | Power Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 2.9 | 3.88 m/s | 139.5% |
| 7.65 | 10.24 m/s | 139.5% |
| 13 | 17.39 m/s | 139.5% |
| 18 | 24.08 m/s | 139.5% |
What each input means
- Reference Wind Speed
- Measured wind speed at reference height.
- Reference Height
- Height at which wind speed was measured.
- Target Hub Height
- Proposed turbine hub height.
- Wind Shear Exponent
- Wind shear exponent. 0.14 open terrain, 0.25 suburban.
- Rotor Diameter
- Turbine rotor diameter.
- Turbine Efficiency
- Overall turbine power coefficient.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input Parameters4 parametersReference Wind Speed = 6, Reference Height = 10, Target Hub Height = 80, Wind Shear Exponent = 0.14 = 6 input(s) provided
- Calculate Wind Speed at HubWind Speed at Hub8.03 = 8.03
- Calculate Power IncreasePower Increase139.5 = 139.5
- Calculate Power at Target HeightPower at Target Height637.1 = 637.1
- Calculate Power at Ref HeightPower at Ref Height266 = 266
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