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Mean wind speed, monthly profiles, and energy potential at 37.64°N, 98.74°W
Average wind speed at 100m hub height for each month of the year.
Pratt experiences peak winds during April (8.96 m/s) with lowest speeds in July (6.3 m/s). The seasonal pattern shows a spring peak driven by strong pressure gradients, with lighter winds in late summer.
The ratio between peak and minimum monthly wind speed is 1.42, indicating significant seasonal variation. Energy production will be notably higher during windy months, which should be factored into PPA pricing and revenue projections.
Wind speed increases with height due to reduced surface friction. Modern turbines typically operate at 80-120m hub height.
| Height | Wind Speed (m/s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10m | 4.68 | Standard measurement height |
| 50m | 6.56 | Small/distributed turbines |
| 80m | 7.24 | Mid-size turbines |
| 100m | 7.59 | Modern utility-scale turbines |
Kansas ranks #4 nationally for wind energy capacity, making it one of the top 10 wind energy states in the country. The state's flat plains and Flint Hills define its wind resource characteristics across different regions and elevations.
With approximately 8 GW of installed wind capacity, Kansas is a major wind energy producer. The state's wind farms generate billions of kilowatt-hours annually, supporting thousands of jobs in construction, operations, and maintenance.
Located in the heart of the Great Plains, Kansas benefits from strong, persistent winds driven by continental-scale pressure systems. The flat terrain provides minimal obstruction, allowing wind to flow freely across the landscape.
The mean wind speed in Pratt, Kansas is 7.59 m/s at 100m hub height, 7.24 m/s at 80m, and 4.68 m/s at 10m. Wind power density at this location is 267.5 W/m², classified as IEC Wind Class III.
Pratt has a wind quality rating of "Good" based on its mean wind speed of 7.59 m/s at hub height. This location is well-suited for utility-scale wind energy development. Peak winds occur in April (8.96 m/s) with lowest speeds in July (6.3 m/s).
IEC Class III turbines with larger rotors are recommended to maximize energy capture at this moderate wind site. Turbines like the Vestas V150-4.2 or GE Cypress 5.3-158 use longer blades to sweep more area, compensating for lower wind speeds.
Based on the mean wind speed near Pratt, a modern 3 MW turbine could produce approximately 7.9 GWh per year (capacity factor ~30%). That is enough to power roughly 751 average American homes. A 100 MW wind farm at this location could generate approximately 260 GWh annually, worth $9106.0M at $35/MWh wholesale electricity prices.
Explore wind data for nearby cities, sorted by wind quality.