Comments on: What is the numerical energy efficiency for wind energy, passive solar energy, and active solar energy?

By: Alexander

Alexander — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 07:42:59 +0000

Wind power companies like to claim ~35% efficiency with their systems but the best recorded in operation is a maximum of 20%
Solar panels are incredibly inefficient with efficiency ratings of less than 2% of energy emitted adsorbed into energy.
Ambient /Reflective solar energy systems believe it or not are more efficient around 10% in adsorbing energy but the turbines used to turn the energy into electricity are only around 20% efficient so the number is only 2%

The trick with solar is to use the energy collected by the reflectors for heating something to get the efficiency of the heat created. that’s why they make good water heaters.

By the way gas and diesel piston engines are only 20 to 30 % efficiency, Gas turbine engines are around 50% but if used as a co-gen unit where both the engine created energy and heat are utilized their efficiencies go into the 90% level.
It’s part of the reason gas turbine power plants are so comon.
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By: Nata T

Nata T — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 07:09:59 +0000

You need to define the efficency, as compared to what?

Wind turbines can only put out about 35% of their rated capacity, again based on location. Some may achieve 40% while others located in areas with little wind may only make 5%.

Active and passive solar efficency is based on the number os watts that hit them that are saved. I’d guess passive might reach 40% and active 50%, depending on location. On a daily average, including night, its about 8% and 10%.
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By: Kenny P

Kenny P — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 06:52:59 +0000

12, 6 and 9.
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