What is that "narrow" range, typically? I'm guessing 10-to-60 MPH, maybe higher.
During the winter the hydraulic systems governing the windmills must be electrically heated.
That's interesting. I'm trying to verify that but coming up empty.
Typical wind turbines generally cut out when wind speed hits around 30 mph (so operation range is a few mph to 30 mph). Low temperature accessories and design changes are not a real big deal, and most locations do without, as not many problems show up until -20 degrees.
The innards have to be kept warm when the temp drops. Let a machine that uses bearings, grease, oil, pumps and valves set idle for 12 hours in sub zero temps and just ‘turn it on’ and its gonna break.
No. They generate about 15% power at 6-8 knots wind speed, then cut out completely at 250-30 (usually 30 knots).
If the wind is below 25 knots, they cannot be fully loaded. So they generate 100% (nameplate power) only between 25 and 30 knots wind speed.
"Narrow" is subjective. Newer wind turbines are getting bigger rotors/mw and yield is around 35-40 percent of nameplate power.