Wind Turbine

Rated Speed

The turbine’s rated speed is the wind speed that results in the optimal power output for the turbine. When the wind speed exceeds the turbine’s rated speed, the turbine’s power output stops increasing and actually begins to decrease with higher wind speeds.

Cut-In Speed

The cut-in speed is the minimum wind speed at which the wind turbine will generate power. The cut-in speed for Chaska’s turbine is 12 miles per hour or just over 5 meters per second.

Cut-out Speed

Wind turbines automatically shut down in very windy conditions, typically greater than 50 mph, to prevent turbine damage. The speed at which the turbine shuts down is called the cut-out speed.

Want to learn more about wind power? Visit the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency Hometown WindPower website.