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Document No:SM-412 Issue C 28.01.21 Marlec Engineering Co Ltd
SITING
General Considerations
The location and height of the mounting pole or tower for your wind turbine will be the major factor
in the overall performance of your system.
The smooth flow of wind over land and water is often interrupted by a multitude of obstructions
causing wind sheer and turbulence.
Wind sheer describes the interference between the fast moving upper air and the slow moving air
close to the ground and the resulting decrease in average wind speed as one gets closer to the
ground.
Turbulence is caused by the wind passing over obstructions such as moored boats, trees and
buildings. Both wind sheer and turbulence diminish with height and can be overcome simply by
putting the machine sufficiently high above them.
It is therefore essential that the wind generator should be located in an area as free as possible from
disturbed wind flow. Bear in mind that downwind obstructions can be detrimental to performance as
upwind obstructions (Fig.1).
