Centre Of Gravity Analysis

Consider the rotor and nacelle of the 5MW wind turbine referenced by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy09osti/38060.pdf.  The blades, hub and nacelle, including the mechanical and electrical components have a weight of 350,000 kg (770,000 pounds).   The position of the nacelle is 90 meters (295 feet) above the ground mounted on top of a tower.  Building a tower and foundation to keep the rotor and nacelle in this position is an unnecessary cost, especially when comparing it to the Lux wind turbine, which has all the mechanical and electric components at ground level.  In addition to this, the entire 350,000 kg must be turned as the wind changes direction.  The Lux wind turbine does not need to be turned into the wind because it will accept wind from all direction, including wind direction other than horizontal.  Companies today are putting 6-8 MW HAWT wind turbines offshore in water up to 60 meters (200 feet) deep and on floating platforms.  We believe our turbine, with a lower center of gravity, is better suited for offshore locations.