Wind turbines are generally designed so that they yield maximum output at 15m/s. True or false?

True. At least for commercial turbines (IE above 1 MW maximum output).





Look for the 'power curve' of a WTG (wind turbine generator). It will show the 'cut-in' speed for the specific generator (typically around 4-5 m/s), the point where it reaches it's maximum (nameplate) output, which typically is around 15 m/s (based on a review of several power curves I have on hand) and the high speed 'cut-out' speed where the WTG shuts down to prevent damage from high winds - around 26 m/s.Wind turbines are generally designed so that they yield maximum output at 15m/s. True or false?
No, it is not true. The generators are specifically designed to deliver a maximum output at the most common prevailing wind speed at the chosen location. If the wind strength is greater, safety mechanisms include feathering the blades (reducing the blade angle).Wind turbines are generally designed so that they yield maximum output at 15m/s. True or false?
I would say false.





They may be designed to give most efficient output around 12-15 miles per hour (not meters per second), because this may be a good average wind speed in windy areas.





However the output will be much greater if the wind speed is higher than 15mph. If you designed a turbine to give maximum output in 15mph winds, what would happen in a 20mph wind?





It's the size of the generator and blade size and blade pitch which can be tuned to wind speeds.
Most wind turbines have blades that automatically adjust pitch, and breaks, like it says above mine.





They are kept at constant RPMs no matter what the wind speed is because the generator needs to be in phase with the grid.
Might be true, as many are designed to cut out at 25 Mp/h+ to prevent damage.