Wind energy is the alternative system of the fastest growing energy today. It is safe, simple and clean, so it is a good source of renewable energy for homeowners. Some places are more suitable for wind generators to solar energy, since it is not affected by cloud cover and wind can blow at any time of day or night. Many people are opting to build a wind power system for your home to save money and protect the environment.
How does wind energy
The blades of a windmill to capture wind energy. As the rotating blades, that energy is transferred to perform some work. Can be transferred directly to the mechanical strength, as when the movement of the blades moves the components of a water pump or a grain mill. Or it can be transferred to a turbine that generates electricity that can be used with the home's electrical system.
Wind energy is different solar energy systems in which most of your home, do not use a bank of batteries to store electricity. If the wind is not strong enough to produce electricity, home energy is purchased from the utility. As the wind becomes stronger, the turbine produces more power and the amount of the utility is proportionately reduced. If the turbine produces more than the house needs, the extra power is sold to the utility. The best part is that everything is done automatically.
The benefits of a domestic wind power
Profitable - small wind turbines are often the cheapest way to generate electricity at home, and usually reduce your electric bill by 50 to 90 percent. The system usually pays for itself within 6 to 15 years, and increases the value of your property. Moreover, the utility that provides for any excess energy they generate. It is an effective buffer against unpredictable utility costs in retirement.
Environmentally friendly - Wind turbines produce no pollution. During his life, a small home wind turbine can offset 1.2 tons of air pollutants and 200 tons of greenhouse gases. Even taking into account the manufacturing of equipment, with the wind instead of coal reduces CO2 emissions by 99% and 98% with the wind instead of gas.
Easy - A wind system consists of fewer moving parts. The systems are designed for long life (up to 20 years) and operate completely automatically. A wind energy system is easily adaptable to any home without having to change the wiring or equipment. In general, the power company install a second meter to measure how much surplus electricity your system purchase.
Components of a wind energy system for home
- Blades - Any number of leaves of four to 20, with a diameter of 26 feet or less, leaves use wind power to rotate the shaft.
- Shaft - transfers mechanical energy to generator.
- Nacelle (enclosure) - Contains a power train, generator, and usually a gearbox.
- Generator - generates electricity from mechanical energy.
- Tower - 130 feet or less, is the rotating blades in the wind today.
- Base - Maintains all system connected to the earth.
- Electronic equipment - controls, electrical cables, and ground support equipment.
Factors to consider before installing a wind energy system at home
Home wind energy systems have been installed in almost all states, with most of them in the Northeast and Midwest. For the most advantageous use, you must have at least one acre, an average speed of 10 mph wind and be paying at least 10 cents / kWh for electricity.
For the location of wind generator, you should study the wind speed, direction, and turbulence, and altitude of wind activity. Note that the speed and direction can change, and that structures or trees on the property affect the turbulence. Wind data resources has been published by the U.S. Department of Energy, but very hilly or mountainous areas, may be best to collect wind data yourself to make sure your site is not a protected area.
A wind turbine is a tall structure and may require a building permit. Check with your local zoning department about regulations governing the placement of your wind generator, a special use permit or variance may be necessary.
A wind turbine rooftop is not recommended. The small size of this system does not produce enough electricity to power your home. trees and surrounding buildings and adjacent roof angles to create blocks of wind and turbulence that makes the system inefficient and wear of the turbine. Transfer components of the force of the wind in a very small area on the roof, weakening and damaging the structure.
Wind turbines come in different strengths. The total output depends on wind speed and turbine size. It is cheaper to buy a single larger turbine that several smaller due to the cost of installation of two separate towers and systems. The average U.S. household consumes about 10,000 kWh of electricity each year. For an example: A 10 kW wind turbine can generate about 10,000 kWh per year on a site with average wind speeds of 12 miles per hour. It is important to remember that a small difference in wind speed makes a big difference in electricity produced.