Wind Power

WindpoweRite was created to help in the effort to bring about awareness of a great tool (windpower) that we can use to increase our energy independence and help the ecological effort to take care of the earth.

WindpoweRite focuses on four areas of wind power.

• DIY Wind Power
  
  
• Home Wind Power
  
  
• Wind Power Generators
  
  
• How Does Wind Power Work

DIY Wind Power:

You can find information on exactly that, DIY Wind Power. The cost of Do It Yourself windpower holds tremendous potential and promise for those who like the hands on approach to creating their own energy. It certainly holds true to the DIY concept that learning and doing is a great option for creating wind power at a lower cost than buying the products and installation.

Home Wind Power:

Home Wind Power examines issues such as your geographical  location and wind power. It also examines tips for implementing windpower for your home which may not focus on just the creation of electricity.

Wind Power Generators:

Wind Power Generators looks at the advances in these generators. It also examines and provides some formulas to help you decide on the size of generator that will best suit your home and windpower system. A real plus you can discover here is the low cost of these generators due to the advances in design and materials.

How Does Wind Power Work:

How Does Wind Power Work is the layman’s guide to Windpower. Information found here ranges from historical uses of windpower, like the discovery of America to a look at futuristic ideas on how we may be able to implement wind power in current everyday products. You may want to view “Catching Wind On The Move – Hybrid Cars to get a glimpse of these ideas and leave a comment.

Help make WindpoweRite a success by leaving your comments and ideas on windpower.  I believe it is only by working together that we can help to gain energy independence and preserve this planet for our future generations.

May the Sun Shine on your face and the wind be at your back,

Wind Power Man

Wind power is one of the most useful sources of energy that uses wind turbines to create electricity through utilizing wind. The demand for wind power has doubled since 2005 – 2008 and in certain countries like Denmark, wind power generates 19% of the total electricity used.

Listed below is the method used to create wind power through a modern residential wind power unit by utilizing a wind turbine and local utility.

·         The wind turbine is installed on top of a tall tower and kinetic energy is collected from the wind.

·         When the wind speed is below 7 – 10 mph, the power is purchased from the utility and no output is created.

·         When the wind speed increases, the output of the turbines increase and the amount of energy purchased from the utility is decreased.

·         As the turbine creates more power than required by the house, the excess energy is sold to the utility automatically.

Residential wind power can be utilized for powering your home’s electrical equipment and windpower can help you save 50% - 80% cost on your electric bills.

Home users require 780 KWH of electricity every month and depending upon the wind speed in your area a wind turbine that creates 5 – 15 kilowatts of wind power is sufficient. The output power of the wind turbine can vary depending on the season and if your home requires more power, then it is recommended to opt for a more powerful wind turbine system.

Utilizing wind power to power your houses is recommended to users who would like to help the environment since wind turbines do not generate pollution and the user will be offsetting the pollution that would be generated by your utility company.

Contrary to what is believed, residential wind turbines do not make a lot of noise and the noise if often equal to or lesser than that of 1 washing machine. In order to install a wind turbine, no significant wiring changes have to be made. Most wind turbines can be fitted without any wiring changes but this may depend on the manufacturer. The towers are supplied with the wind tower, the tower’s height ranging from 80 feet – 120 feet depending on the model number of the wind turbine.

The guyed lattice tower is considered the most affordable wind turbine system however, a hinged tower is easier to install and is easier to maintain.

WindpoweRite urges you to get the benefits of Wind Power in your life.

Wind power generators are also known as wind turbine systems that help a person to generate electricity from wind. These wind power generators are available to both consumers and agriculturists; however special windpower generators are available to even industrialists.

Wind power generators are basically made up of tall towers with propellers that help utilize atmospheric air and convert it into electricity. The length of the towers depends on the type of wind power generator, and residential wind power generator towers are usually 80 – 120 feet high.

While installing or performing maintenance activities on your wind power generators it is important to keep the following things in mind. 

·         Shock – Windpower generators usually put out 12, 24 or 48 volts of electricity and low voltage shocks do not cause great damage. However, since these generators are connected to batteries and output wires, the shock caused can be of a higher voltage that can cause severe damage.

·         Fire – Improper wiring and poor electric connections can cause the system to heat very quickly and cause fire. Proper wiring is especially important in low voltage systems to avoid fire.

·         Moving blades – The blades of wind power generators can cause serious damage to people who go too close to it or to people who repair it. Although most people set the blades at a distance from the ground, people who may be experimenting with DIY wind power generators may take the wind generators for a short test spin which can hurt others or themselves.

·         Winter and ice – If it snows in your area it is crucial to turn off the wind power generator system during ice or snow fall since the alternator can get packed with ice and cause electrical problems or damage the windpower generators. When you switch on the generator the blades should be free of any frozen ice since the ice could fly at very high velocities that can hurt nearby people or property.

·         Pacemakers and other sensitive electrical equipment- If you wear a pacemaker or any other equipment that helps you maintain your health it is important to get a helper for the wind power generator and avoid performing maintenance yourself. The magnets used are extremely powerful and can harm the medical equipment if you get too close to the windpower generators.

·         Towers – If you need to climb the tower to perform maintenance make sure that you do not fall or your clothes/ footwear doesn’t get caught anywhere.

It is advised to follow the above recommendations when using wind power generators. This will enable you get the full benefit of you wind power generator.

It is often said that each coin has 2 faces and before buying any equipment it is recommended to learn what the other face of the coin says. The information provided is not meant to scare you into opting against wind power but the listed disadvantages of wind power are meant to help you make an informed decision.

·         Disadvantages of Wind power 1– Since wind is a natural factor that cannot be completely relied on, it is impossible to expect constant results without investing in a lot of wind turbines. Wind turbines are useful for people who have a back up energy source such as a local utility but since wind turbines take up space, wind turbines are not recommended for people who do not have enough space but require constant power.

·         Disadvantages of Wind power 2- The blades of wind turbines can kill birds that fly into it, and although the occurrence of such accidents is not common it is still possible. If you stay near a wild life sanctuary or in an area that houses endangered species of birds, you may require special clearance to set up a wind turbine.

·         Disadvantages of Wind power 3- Depending on the capacity of the wind turbine and the type of blades or machinery, wind turbines can be as noisy as a single washing machine or as noisy as a car travelling at 70 MPH. It is important to research about the noise levels of the wind turbines before purchasing them.

Although the listed disadvantages of wind power are mentioned above it is important to remember that certain factors such as noise can be negotiated and windows and doors can be closed to lessen the noise levels from entering the home. The advantages of wind power outweigh the disadvantages and to give a just idea, 2 advantages of wind power are mentioned below.

·         Advantages of wind power 1 – Wind is free and can help generate electricity. The excess electricity can be sold to local utilities to earn money and help increase the supply of clean energy.

·         Advantage of wind power 2 – According to many people wind turbines can add to the aesthetical value of land especially in farm land or agricultural land.  Also the area around the wind turbines can be utilized and does not go wasted once the wind turbine is installed.

It is true that there are disadvantages to wind power however the benefits and advantages of windpower are much greater.

Home windpower is useful for people who want to obtain electricity at lower costs while saving the environment from getting degraded. Listed in the paragraphs below are facts about home wind power and how to choose a wind turbine to generate home wind power.

Facts:

·         Energy output for home wind power is rated in KWH and while looking for a wind turbine it is recommended to monthly or annual KWH energy numbers instead of looking for specific details.

·         Most manufacturers provide information about the total output and if the manufacturer cannot provide the details then you can make an estimate yourself. In order to calculate the total output, you need to know the average wind speed in your area and desired KWH output. In order to calculate the total output you will need to multiply the annual energy output in KWH that is 0.01328 x rotor diameter  in feet  squared x average wind speed  miles per hours cubed.

How to choose a wind turbine:

·         While buying a wind turbine the first rule is to buy a wind turbine that is known to give good results. It is suggested to go with companies that provide test results and other details that will help you make an informed decision instead of going for home wind power machines that are new in the market.

·         Real world reports and warranty play an important role while making your decision of which home wind power machine to buy. Real world reports help a person decide if the product is worth buying and warranty helps a person in times when the wind turbine needs to be repaired or serviced.

·         If you are buying a wind turbine for the first time it is recommended to look for home wind power machines that are easy to use and service. The wind turbines should be of standard quality and of standard specifications.

·         While choosing a wind turbine to generate home wind power it is important to take the total cost of the wind turbine by calculating the unit costs, all the accessories, service tax and delivery charges. Although wind turbines that provide good results often pay off for themselves, initial cost is often a limiting factor for many people. Since wind turbines last for decades it is recommended to pay the lump sum initial cost and save money for a long period of time.

Due to advances in windpower design and technology home wind power is a reality.

Building homebuilt wind generators to create windpower is a hard but not impossible task. People who have basic information about wiring and using power tools can make their own windpower generators by referring to forums, online material and books.

Listed below are a few tips to prevent injuries and to help you build your own homebuilt wind generator.

·         The tools used to make the homebuilt power generator should run to electricity and should preferably be power tools since hand tools will require a lot of force to penetrate the steel, wood and other material used during the construction process.

·         It is important to note that wiring and electrical connections play an important role in prevent accidents hence if you do not know the basics of wiring or you are experimenting with your skills, you should ask someone with more experience to help you out. Power tools and hardware equipment can cause injuries if used improperly hence it is recommended to read the manual before using the equipment.

·         Raw materials used to make homebuilt wind generators should be of good quality, work better and for a longer time hence it is recommended to use stainless steel metal parts that may cost a little more but provide better results. The wiring coil used should be certified and safe to use while the magnets used should be powerful and reliable.

·         The blades used for the propellers are sharp and after making your homebuilt wind generator it is recommended to test the wind generator away from any person including yourself. The homebuilt wind generator should be mounted on a tower to avoid injuries and care should be taken that the propeller is fixed properly and will not come apart.

·         While making the homemade wind generators it is recommended to use a tape measure to carefully measure the distances before putting it together with screws, since there will be little to no adjustments possible after the screws are put in.

·         The raw materials can be bought online or can be bought through specialty stores. The steel and screws can also be bought from a wholesale steels center if you plan to make bigger or more than 1 homebuilt power generators. If you plan to make just 1 homebuilt power generator then most of the material can be picked up from your local hardware store.

Use precaution when making a homebuilt windpower generator will pay off in more than electrical savings.

Residential wind power helps consumers who live in single houses to power their house equipment through clean and renewable energy. Residential wind power is available through various companies for a monthly charge and many companies offer various schemes that can be changed after a period of time.

It is also possible for consumers to buy residential wind turbines to create electricity to power their homes. The wind turbines are often installed in the backyard and the height of the tower varies depending on the model and manufacturer of the wind turbine. Consumers should remember that although they are installing the wind turbine in the backyard they can use the space that is well below the propellers.

If you are considering buying a wind turbine it is recommended to read the pros and cons of wind turbines before your purchase the product. There are very few disadvantages of a residential wind turbine and the pros by far outnumber the cons.

Advantages of wind turbines include:

·         Using free wind to create electricity, with the only investment being the wind turbine.

·         Helping the environment by reducing pollution and reducing the rate of depletion of exhaustible resources.

·         Reducing energy bills and earning money by selling excess power.

·         Making your own electricity if you stay off the grid, and not having to depend on any other source of energy.

·         Wind turbines also help teach your children the importance of using eco friendly products and showing them that they are effective.

The initial cost is the only barrier that stops consumers from purchasing a turbine that can create residential wind power. It is important to remember that wind turbines pay for themselves within a few years and can help you save up to 80% of electricity bills for many decades. Some states offer concessions to consumers who have wind turbines and it is also possible to sell excess power to the local utility, provided the individual qualifies as per the public act.

Warranty and real time rating are 2 important factors while purchasing a wind turbine to create residential windpower. Real time ratings depend on the popularity and reputation of the manufacturer or model type. Warranty protects consumers from any manufacturing defects that may hinder the effectiveness of the wind turbine. Warranty also helps consumers get their residential wind power machine serviced especially if they are not comfortable servicing it themselves.

Due to advances in technology and design residential windpower is a reality today.

Most people who sell wind turbines say that wind turbines are highly recommended machines that can help a person utilize free wind to make energy. However before buying a wind turbine it is important to know “how do wind turbines work” and how electricity is created since an informed consumer can protect themselves from sellers who claim to sell products that work but actually do not. The following paragraphs will help you decide for yourself if wind turbines are genuine by explaining how they work.

Wind turbines work on the concept of utilizing windpower and solar power to create renewable energy. These wind turbines are actually large propellers that are mounted to towers that create energy when the sun heats up the atmospheric air. Wind is created when the sun heats up some patches more than the others, and the cooler patches descend to take the place of the warmer patches. Wind turbines utilize this air and the propellers generate either mechanical energy or electricity.

Listed below are a few parts of wind turbines and will help you understand how do wind turbines work.

·         Blades – Blades work when the wind blows over the blades and the blades then lift and rotate.

·         Controller – This piece of equipment starts the wind turbine when the wind speed is at about 10 - 16 MPH and stops when the wind speed reaches 55 MPH to avoid any damage to the turbine.

·         Generator – Generates 60 cycle AC electricity.

·         Towers – Towers are made of tubular steel, steel lattice or concrete and taller towers help generate more electricity since the wind rate increases with height.

·         Yaw drive – Upward turbines require a yaw drive which is used to position the rotor facing into the wind when the direction of the wind changes. While learning about how do wind turbines work it is important to remember that in downward turbines, the wind moves the rotator downwind and a yaw drive is not required.

Wind turbines that are available in the market are either horizontal axis machines or are vertical axis machines, with the horizontal axis machines containing 2 or 3 blades that face the wind. Individual wind turbines that generate lesser than 100 Kilowatts of electricity are smaller and meant for single homes. Commercial wind turbines on the other hand can be as large as a foot ball field and can generate enough electricity to power thousands of houses.

A good question to pose to the seller of the wind power system you are looking to purchase is, “How do wind turbines work?”  This will help qualify a good wind turbine dealer.

Wind turbines are machines that generate wind power through utilizing the wind and solar energy. The design of the wind turbine is responsible for creating electricity and listed in the paragraphs below are the various designs that are used to create windpower. 

A wind turbine consists of the tower and the propeller with the tower being a base and the propeller mounted on top. The height of the tower plays an important role in the amount of wind that reaches the propeller since more wind is available the higher the tower is. The wind power design for residential tower varies according to the manufacturer and model type but many wind turbines have a tower that’s height ranges from 80 – 120 feet.
 

The propeller also plays an important part in a wind turbine and the most crucial part of the propeller is the blades. Depending on the type of wind power design, the blades can be made of metal or wood. Listed below are the three types of blades that can be used in residential and commercial propellers.

·         Three blade or Danish design – The rotor is the part where the blade meets the axis and in the three blade design, the rotor is placed upwards to obtain maximum wind. Yaw motors and Yaw drives are used to move the blades in a down ward position. This design is the most popular design and is usually used as a reference for all wind turbine designs.

·         Two blade or teetering design – The two blade wind power design is beneficial to people who want to buy a wind turbine that weighs lesser and save costs on 1 rotor blade. The disadvantage of this wind power design is that in order to reach the same output the two blade design requires more wind velocity as compared to the three blade design. The teetering hub is hinged and the design is more complicated and additional shock absorbers are required to prevent the blades from hitting the tower.

·         One blade design – The one blade design is the cheapest yet hardest to find windpower design turbine in the market. The problems encountered are similar as mentioned in the two blade design model however the problems can be considerably severe in the one blade design. The noise level is higher in the one blade design and a counterweight also needs to be placed on the other side of the hub to balance the rotor. 

The use of wind power is growing rapidly due to the advances in wind power design.

Windpower and solar power are two forms of energy that are generated through deriving energy from the wind and sun respectively. These sources of energy are renewable forms of energy and help preserve the planet since these sources of energy do not deplete natural resources in any way.

When the sun’s rays unevenly heat the atmospheric air, some patches of air become hotter than the other. When these warm patches of air rise above the other patches and cooler patches of air replace them wind is created. Wind power is made by converting wind into electricity by using turbines that are tall towers with propellers.

Although currently only 1.5% of the electricity used worldwide is made from wind power this number is rapidly increasing. The capacity factor helps determine the actual productivity in a year and is an important factor for farming and agriculture. Wind power has a capacity factor of 20% - 40% however this can differ according to your geographical area and season.

Wind power has been used since 5,500 years to help mankind.  Listed below are a few traditional uses of windpower and solar power.

·         Sailors would use wind power to propel sail boats and architects have also used windpower to design natural ventilation shafts for buildings.

·         The Chinese and Babylonians were making use of windpower to pump water and for irrigating crops.

Wind power and solar power were traditionally used mainly in factories and for commercial purposes however, since a decade windpower and solar power are being used by consumers to power their homes.

Solar power is derived by using solar cells made from crystalline or amorphous materials and these cells generate electricity when they come in contact with the sun’s rays. Solar cells are then arranged in a series or array to make a solar panel that is connected to batteries. Each solar cell is connected to a diode to prevent energy from being wasted at night and when the clouds are high in the sky. Solar panels that work on solar power have to be mounted on building tops or RV tops depending on the type of solar panel.

Since windpower and solar power are not constant sources of energy, invertors, batteries and other back up devices are used to store energy. Certain states offer some exemptions and other benefits to people who utilize windpower and solar power instead of using conventional forms of electricity. By utilizing windpower and solar power, a person can also lower his electric bills tremendously.