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| Wind speed duration curve
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A graph that indicates the distribution of wind speeds as a function of the cumulative number of hours that the wind speed exceeds a given wind speed in a year. |
| Wind speed frequency curve
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A curve that indicates the number of hours per year that specific wind speeds occur. |
| Wind speed profile
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A profile of how the wind speed changes with height above the surface of the ground or water. |
| Wind turbine
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A term used for a wind energy conversion device that produces electricity; typically having one, two, or three blades. |
| Wind turbine rated capacity
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The amount of power a wind turbine can produce at its rated wind speed, e.g., 100 kW at 20 mph. The rated wind speed generally corresponds to the point at which the conversion efficiency is near its maximum. Because of the variability of the wind, the amount of energy a wind turbine actually produces is a function of the capacity factor (e.g., a wind turbine produces 20% to 35% of its rated capacity over a year). |
| Wind uplift
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The upward displacement of a section of a roof system or component caused by movement of air from a location of higher air pressure, such as inside a building, to an area of lower air pressure, such as the surface of a roof during a windy day. Strong wind across the surface of a roof, especially at corners and along perimeters, creates low air pressure above the surface of the roof. Nature will automatically try to compensate for this by moving air from an area of higher pressure such as inside a building. If all penetrations and perimeters are not properly sealed, then "blow-off" can occur. |
| Wind velocity
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The wind speed and direction in an undisturbed flow. |
| Wind-borne debris
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Missiles or airborne projectiles that cause glass breakage and other damage to buildings during severe wind events. |
| Wind-borne debris impact resistant products
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Products that meet Standards PA 201-94, PA 202-94, SSTD-12 and ASTM E1996 and that have a valid Notice of Approval (NOA). |
| Wind-borne debris region
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The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) definition for areas within hurricane prone regions that are located either (1) within one mile of the coastal mean high water line where the basic wind speed is equal to or greater than 110 mph and in Hawaii, or (2) areas where the basic wind speed is equal to or greater than 120 mph. |
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