Difference between revisions of "Wind turbine"

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{{infobox main|building|
 
{{infobox main|building|
|name = Wind turbine
+
| name = Wind turbine
|image = Wind_Power.png
+
| image = Wind_Power.png
|description = A wind-powered electrical generator. Requires a large clear space in front and behind for optimal air flow.
+
| description = A wind-powered electrical generator. Requires a large clear space in front and behind for optimal air flow.
|type = Building
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| type = Building
|type2 = Power
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| type2 = Power
|placeable = true
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| placeable = true
|path cost = 50
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| path cost = 50
|passability = pass through only
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| passability = pass through only
|blockswind = true
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| blockswind = true
|cover = 0.5
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| cover = 0.5
|minifiable = false
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| minifiable = false
|size = 7 ˣ 2
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| size = 7 ˣ 2
|flammability = 0.5
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| flammability = 0.5
|hp = 150
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| hp = 150
|beauty = -12
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| beauty = -12
|power = 2300
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| power = 2300
|terrain affordance = heavy
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| terrain affordance = heavy
|research = electricity
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| research = electricity
|skill 1 = Construction
+
| skill 1 = Construction
|skill 1 level = 4
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| skill 1 level = 4
|work to make = 3300
+
| work to make = 3300
|resource 1 = Steel
+
| resource 1 = Steel
|resource 1 amount = 100
+
| resource 1 amount = 100
|resource 2 = Component
+
| resource 2 = Component
|resource 2 amount = 2
+
| resource 2 amount = 2
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Info|'''Wind turbines''' generate a variable amount of [[power]] directly proportional to the wind speed.}}
 
{{Info|'''Wind turbines''' generate a variable amount of [[power]] directly proportional to the wind speed.}}
  
==Acquisition==
+
== Acquisition ==
Wind turbines can be constructed once the [[Research#{{P|Required Research}}|{{P|Required Research}}]] research project has been completed. They require {{Required Resources}}, {{Ticks|{{P|Work To Make}}}} of work, and a [[{{P|Skill 1}}]] skill of {{P|Skill 1 Level}}.
+
{{Acquisition}}  
  
 
== Summary ==
 
== Summary ==
Wind turbines generate a variable amount of power based on the current wind speed, which in turn is based on ranges set by the current [[Environment#Weather|Weather]]. The wattage is directly proportional to the windspeed. They output 2300W at 100% wind speed, and 3450 W at 150% wind speed, the maximum. Wind direction is not a factor, so orientation of the turbines doesn't matter; they will spin equally well in any direction.
+
{{Stub|section=1|reason=Details on autocutting}}
 +
Wind turbines generate a variable amount of power based on the current wind speed, which in turn is based on ranges set by the current [[Environment#Weather|Weather]]. The wattage is directly proportional to the windspeed. They output 2300W at 100% wind speed, and 3450 W at 150% wind speed, the maximum. Note that the "max power output" listed in the infobox claims that {{Q|Wind turbine|Power Consumption #}}W is the maximum under "ideal conditions" - this is incorrect. Wind direction is not a factor, so orientation of the turbines doesn't matter; they will spin equally well in any direction.
  
 
Like all generators, each tile of a wind turbine counts as a [[power conduit]]. Turbines directly adjacent to each other will connect (see Fig. 1), and appliances within 6 tiles can connect to any tile of a turbine
 
Like all generators, each tile of a wind turbine counts as a [[power conduit]]. Turbines directly adjacent to each other will connect (see Fig. 1), and appliances within 6 tiles can connect to any tile of a turbine
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The wind turbine's exclusion zone (7ˣ18 white rectangle) is visible when the turbine is selected, or when placing the wind turbine blueprint. Any trees, mountains, roofs, and most buildings will reduce the turbine's output by 20% - five obstructed tiles reduce power to 0. The exclusion zone of several turbines may overlap, so long as the turbine building itself isn't in any of the zones.
 
The wind turbine's exclusion zone (7ˣ18 white rectangle) is visible when the turbine is selected, or when placing the wind turbine blueprint. Any trees, mountains, roofs, and most buildings will reduce the turbine's output by 20% - five obstructed tiles reduce power to 0. The exclusion zone of several turbines may overlap, so long as the turbine building itself isn't in any of the zones.
  
Low-lying objects like [[solar generator]]s can be placed without hindering the turbine's operation, and are an efficient use of space. [[Growing zone]]s (if not set to trees) or artificial [[floors|flooring]] can also be used to prevent wild trees from growing.
+
Low-lying objects like [[solar generator]]s and [[shelf|shelves]] can be placed without hindering the turbine's operation, and are an efficient use of space. [[Growing zone]]s (if not set to trees) or artificial [[floors|flooring]] can also be used to prevent wild trees from growing.
  
 
The following objects block wind turbines, and are ''not'' low-lying:
 
The following objects block wind turbines, and are ''not'' low-lying:
 
{{#ask:[[Blocks Wind::true]]|format=ul|class=ul-column-width-100|limit=100}}
 
{{#ask:[[Blocks Wind::true]]|format=ul|class=ul-column-width-100|limit=100}}
  
[[File:Wind_exclusion.png|300px|thumb|center|2 turbines unobstructed. The [[solar generator]] also does not block the turbines.]]
+
[[File:Wind_exclusion.png|500px|thumb|center|2 turbines unobstructed. The [[solar generator]] does not block the turbines.]]
  
 
=== Wind speed ===
 
=== Wind speed ===
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<references/>
 
<references/>
  
==Analysis==
+
== Analysis ==
 
Wind turbines are a renewable (i.e, maintenance-free) source of energy, and have the advantage of requiring no [[research]] past Electricity. Both [[wood-fired generator]]s and [[chemfuel generator]]s will constantly require a source of fuel.
 
Wind turbines are a renewable (i.e, maintenance-free) source of energy, and have the advantage of requiring no [[research]] past Electricity. Both [[wood-fired generator]]s and [[chemfuel generator]]s will constantly require a source of fuel.
  
Wind itself is fairly inconsistent in terms of power, but this problem is almost entirely mitigated by installing [[batteries]], which do require some research. With a battery, wind becomes a somewhat stable energy source, working [[Environment#Daylight timing and latitude|day and night]]. An [[eclipse]] will completely shut down a [[solar generator]], but no event can entirely stop wind. Only a small subset of other dangers, like fog or rain [[weather controller]]s{{RoyaltyIcon}}, can reduce it. Note that, even with batteries, the exact power average can remain somewhat unstable.
+
Wind itself is fairly inconsistent in terms of power, but this problem can be mitigated by installing [[batteries]] (which require some research). With a battery, wind becomes a somewhat stable energy source, working [[Environment#Daylight timing and latitude|day and night]]. An [[eclipse]] will completely shut down a [[solar generator]], but no event can entirely stop wind. Only a small subset of other dangers, like fog or rain [[weather controller]]s{{RoyaltyIcon}}, can reduce it. Note that, even with batteries, the exact power average can be unstable.
  
Their other main drawback is the space requirement - a need for a large, open area clear of [[trees]], mountains, [[buildings]], [[roof]]s and other tall constructions. This makes turbines harder to protect. You can still build a wall just outside of its zone, but supporting multiple turbines quickly becomes a time and space consuming project.  
+
Their other main drawback is the space requirement - a need for a large, open area clear of [[trees]], mountains, [[buildings]], [[roof]]s and other tall constructions. This makes turbines harder to protect. You can still build a wall just outside of its zone, but supporting multiple turbines quickly becomes a time and space consuming project. The empty space can also be used to house short objects that won't block the wind. One option is solar generators, although this creates a risk of having a large amount of power generated in one space that needs to be properly protected. Solar generators also don't fit fully in the space of turbines, which makes land for trees to sprout and block the wind. Another empty space item is crops. Regardless of height, no crop will block the wind, and pawns will automatically cut trees in growing zones. Crops can however catch fire if a turbine is destroyed, creating the risk of food loss, and they may need to be planted in [[Plants#Fertility|bad soil]] to fit with turbine placement.
  
 
[[Watermill generator]]s and [[geothermal generator]]s offer completely consistent power, but require dedicated research, and can only be built in certain locations.
 
[[Watermill generator]]s and [[geothermal generator]]s offer completely consistent power, but require dedicated research, and can only be built in certain locations.
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== Version history ==
 
== Version history ==
*[[Version/0.8.657|0.8.657]] - Added
+
* [[Version/0.8.657|0.8.657]] - Added
*Beta 18 - width was increased from 5 to 7 tiles wide.
+
* Beta 18 - Width was increased from 5 to 7 tiles wide.
*Beta 19 - power generation was buffed by 15%, from max. 3000W.
+
* Beta 19 - Power generation was buffed by 15%, from max. 3000W.
* [[Version/1.3.3101|1.3.3101]] - can now be walked through.
+
* [[Version/1.1.0]] - Fix: Wind turbines register no wind during windy storm.
 +
* [[Version/1.3.3101|1.3.3101]] - Can now be walked through.
 
* [[Version/1.3.3117|1.3.3117]] - Path cost 0 -> 50.
 
* [[Version/1.3.3117|1.3.3117]] - Path cost 0 -> 50.
 +
* [[Version/1.4.3555|1.4.3555]] - Fix: Checkbox cutoff on wind turbine's auto-cut settings tab.
  
 
{{nav|power|wide}}
 
{{nav|power|wide}}
 
[[Category:Power]]
 
[[Category:Power]]

Latest revision as of 12:48, 27 September 2024

Wind turbine

Wind turbine

A wind-powered electrical generator. Requires a large clear space in front and behind for optimal air flow.

Base Stats

Type
BuildingPower
Market Value
265 Silver [Note]
Beauty
-12
HP
150
Flammability
50%
Path Cost
50 (21%)

Building

Size
7 × 2
Minifiable
False
Placeable
True
Passability
pass through only
Cover Effectiveness
50%
Blocks Wind
True
Terrain Affordance
Heavy
Power
2300 W

Creation

Required Research
Electricity
Skill Required
Construction 4
Work To Make
3,300 ticks (55 secs)
Resources to make
Steel 100 + Component 2
Deconstruct yield
Steel 50 + Component 1
Destroy yield
Steel 25 + Component 0 - 1

Wind turbines generate a variable amount of power directly proportional to the wind speed.

Acquisition[edit]

Wind turbines can be constructed once the electricity research project has been completed. Each requires Steel 100 Steel, Component 2 Components, 3,300 ticks (55 secs) of work modified by the construction speed of the builder, and a construction skill of 4.

Once constructed, they cannot be re-installed, they can only be deconstructed.

Summary[edit]

Wind turbines generate a variable amount of power based on the current wind speed, which in turn is based on ranges set by the current Weather. The wattage is directly proportional to the windspeed. They output 2300W at 100% wind speed, and 3450 W at 150% wind speed, the maximum. Note that the "max power output" listed in the infobox claims that 2300W is the maximum under "ideal conditions" - this is incorrect. Wind direction is not a factor, so orientation of the turbines doesn't matter; they will spin equally well in any direction.

Like all generators, each tile of a wind turbine counts as a power conduit. Turbines directly adjacent to each other will connect (see Fig. 1), and appliances within 6 tiles can connect to any tile of a turbine

Exclusion zone[edit]

The wind turbine's exclusion zone (7ˣ18 white rectangle) is visible when the turbine is selected, or when placing the wind turbine blueprint. Any trees, mountains, roofs, and most buildings will reduce the turbine's output by 20% - five obstructed tiles reduce power to 0. The exclusion zone of several turbines may overlap, so long as the turbine building itself isn't in any of the zones.

Low-lying objects like solar generators and shelves can be placed without hindering the turbine's operation, and are an efficient use of space. Growing zones (if not set to trees) or artificial flooring can also be used to prevent wild trees from growing.

The following objects block wind turbines, and are not low-lying:

2 turbines unobstructed. The solar generator does not block the turbines.

Wind speed[edit]

Label Time of year Temperature range [1] Wind speed Wind speed modifier
Clear Any Any None to Moderate 100%
Fog Any Any None to Calm 50%
Rain Any °C – 100 °C (32 °F – 212 °F) Calm to Moderate 80%
Dry Thunderstorm Any Any Moderate to Extreme 150%
Rainy Thunderstorm Any Any Moderate to Extreme 150%
Foggy rain Any Any None to Calm 150%
Hard snow Mainly Winter -270 °C – -0.5 °C (-454 °F – 31.1 °F) None to Moderate 150%
Soft snow Mainly Winter -270 °C – -0.5 °C (-454 °F – 31.1 °F) None to Moderate 150%
Flashstorm Any Any None to moderate None
  1. Can continue even if the temperature exits the appropriate range, once started.

Analysis[edit]

Wind turbines are a renewable (i.e, maintenance-free) source of energy, and have the advantage of requiring no research past Electricity. Both wood-fired generators and chemfuel generators will constantly require a source of fuel.

Wind itself is fairly inconsistent in terms of power, but this problem can be mitigated by installing batteries (which require some research). With a battery, wind becomes a somewhat stable energy source, working day and night. An eclipse will completely shut down a solar generator, but no event can entirely stop wind. Only a small subset of other dangers, like fog or rain weather controllersContent added by the Royalty DLC, can reduce it. Note that, even with batteries, the exact power average can be unstable.

Their other main drawback is the space requirement - a need for a large, open area clear of trees, mountains, buildings, roofs and other tall constructions. This makes turbines harder to protect. You can still build a wall just outside of its zone, but supporting multiple turbines quickly becomes a time and space consuming project. The empty space can also be used to house short objects that won't block the wind. One option is solar generators, although this creates a risk of having a large amount of power generated in one space that needs to be properly protected. Solar generators also don't fit fully in the space of turbines, which makes land for trees to sprout and block the wind. Another empty space item is crops. Regardless of height, no crop will block the wind, and pawns will automatically cut trees in growing zones. Crops can however catch fire if a turbine is destroyed, creating the risk of food loss, and they may need to be planted in bad soil to fit with turbine placement.

Watermill generators and geothermal generators offer completely consistent power, but require dedicated research, and can only be built in certain locations.

Tips[edit]

  1. Certain weather conditions offer a positive modifier to wind, like Thunderstorm or Snow. If a weather controller of those types is deployed, then it may be in your interest to preserve them.

Gallery[edit]

Version history[edit]

  • 0.8.657 - Added
  • Beta 18 - Width was increased from 5 to 7 tiles wide.
  • Beta 19 - Power generation was buffed by 15%, from max. 3000W.
  • Version/1.1.0 - Fix: Wind turbines register no wind during windy storm.
  • 1.3.3101 - Can now be walked through.
  • 1.3.3117 - Path cost 0 -> 50.
  • 1.4.3555 - Fix: Checkbox cutoff on wind turbine's auto-cut settings tab.