2. How long is one blade?
They are 40 meters (131 feet)
3. How fast will the blades turn?
Around 18 rmp. Because the blades are so long, the tip speed is
around 170 mph.
4. How do they get delivered?
There are special transportation companies that have the correct
equipment, experience and permitting to move these large loads safely.
5. How much power will they produce?
Almost 10 million KWh per year, which totals about 3% of Willmar
Municipal Utilities annual needs.
6. How much do they cost?
Each unit is $3.3 million delivered and installing each one is budgeted
to be over $1 million.
7. How much does the power cost from these units?
Over the 20 year life of the units, the projected cost for each KWh
produced is less than 5 cents.
8. How is WMU going to pay for these units?
WMU is bonding or borrowing money for this project, which will spread
out the cost through either a 10 year or 15 year period.
9. Where are they being built?
Up until recently, almost all wind turbines installed in the U.S. were
built overseas. The DeWind nacelle (power unit on the top of the
tower) was built in Round Rock Texas. The steel tower sections
were built in Nebraska and the blades were made in Germany.
