Since 1980, the diameter of the rotors of wind turbines has doubled each decade, and therefore increased the turbine height. Each generation of turbines was predicted to be the biggest, but turbines keep growing in an effort to capture the stronger winds accessible at higher elevations, and improve performance. New materials have made this possible.
Size and Power Evolution of Wind Turbines Over Time
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Internal Workings of a Wind Turbine
Turbine Size Changes with Position
Land and sea breezes resulting from the different rates of heating of land and water mean average wind speeds on the coast are slightly above those inland. Therefore, offshore wind farms can generate the same amount of power with a smaller rotor.
Turbine Size Changes with Position
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