12. How much electricity do the turbines generate for the ACUA?
The ACUA facility requires approximately 2.5 megawatts of power each day, so
that when wind speeds are above 12 miles per hour all of the electricity required
to run the plant can be generated by two of the five wind turbines. The
remaining power is sold to the main power grid. The wind farm supplies
approximately 60 percent of the electricity required by the plant on a annual basis.
13. How does it work?
A weather station located on top of each of the wind turbines turns the nacelle, the small
building at the top of the tower, facing into the wind. The turbine’s three blades pitch to
maximize the speed at which the turbine spins. A shaft, attached to the hub of the blades, turns a
gear box that is attached to a generator that processes the electricity. The electricity is then
transported to the ground by wires, which are then attached to the electrical grid at the plant.
Electricity not used by the ACUA runs backwards through the electric meter into the power grid.
14. Can I buy electricity?
Private and commercial electricity users can purchase wind generated power through their local
electric company through the New Jersey CleanPower Choice Program. For more information on
this New Jersey Board of Public Utilities program please visit www.njcleanenergy.com.
15. How much does it cost?
The cost of wind generated power generally costs a little more than electricity generated by a
fossil fuel plant; however, wind energy is both a clean and renewable source that does not
contribute to climate change.
16. How much do wind turbines weigh?
In the GE 1.5-megawatt model, the nacelle alone weighs more than 56 tons, the blade assembly
weighs more than 36 tons, and the tower itself weighs about 71 tons — a total weight of 164
tons. http://www.wind-watch.org/faq-size.php
U.S. Department of Energy
09/13
Atlantic County Utilities Authority
www.acua.com
Parts of a Wind Turbine