Wind Power Generators

Wind power generators offer a variety of designs to tap into a clean, plentiful source of energy—the wind.

Wind is a clean, renewable source of energy.

Wind has been used for centuries as a power source. Today, wind turbines are available in a wide assortment of sizes. Smaller wind power generators are becoming more and more common in residential settings. At the other end of the spectrum, large wind turbines can produce great amounts of electricity and are often set up in clusters known as wind farms. These wind farms are capable of producing enough electricity to power hundreds of homes.

Small wind turbines are capable of producing a wide range of kilowatts of electricity in a year depending on the size and model of wind generator used. Many of these smaller models function as a backup source of electricity or an alternate power source to help reduce power bills.

The smallest wind turbines which are capable of generating 20-500 watt units are used for things like charging batteries for sailboats and other small, recreational applications.

As stated above, small wind generators are a practical choice for people looking for an economical source of electricity in a residential setting. However, there are factors that need to be taken into consideration to determine whether or not wind power is, in fact, the right choice for you. To help you sort out the necessary criteria, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is your property a good wind resource?
• Do you own at least one acre?
• Does local zoning allow wind power generators?
• Does your property have easy access to utility lines? (This would determine options between a grid-tied system versus a stand alone system)
• Will your wind powered generator be at least 820 feet from any neighbor's home?

Most wind generators produced today are what is called an "upwind design". This means blades installed on the tower face into the wind. Along with this, the turbine is also equipped with a couple of permanent magnet alternators which are connected to the blades.

Types of wind turbines are too many to list in this article, but the most common is the three-bladed variety. They provide a workable arrangement that offers both efficiency and rotor balance.

Stand-alone wind generator systems work along with a diesel generator or a battery bank. They are used in rural areas that don't have access to a public grid. These are smaller generators used to generate electricity on farms, in island communities, on boats, or other places where it is too expensive or even impossible to connect to the main power grid. Traditionally, the power supplied by these stand-alone generators is used for things like:

• Charging batteries
• Electric livestock fencing
• Small electric pumps
• Security systems

Wind powered systems tied to the power grid can be used both for individual wind turbines and for wind farms. A grid-tied wind powered generator is a good choice for people whose electric consumption is high. Not only can you save money on your energy bills, but some generators are also eligible to claim a Renewables Obligation Certificate.

If you plan to install a wind turbine that's grid-tied, you'll have to get it approved by your local electricity distribution company first. They will provide technical standards which must be adhered to, and the initial cost of incorporating power import and export metering can run high. The power company can also limit what size wind generator may be connected because they have to take into consideration the vicinity's electrical distribution load. The cost of connecting to a grid can be substantial even for a small turbine and should be taken into consideration when determining the installation costs.

As you research what wind power generator meets your requirements, including your budget, be sure to take into consideration other equipment you'll need for installation such as a backhoe and crane. Along with this, other materials you'll need include:

• Concrete and rebar
• Electrical components

Additional expenses that must be figured in are:

• Shipping
• Sales tax
• Labor (unless you plan to do all the work yourself)

The initial installation of wind power is an investment in the future. Not only will you benefit from it as a matter of energy efficiency, but the environment will too.

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• Design of a Wind Turbine
• Wind Power Mills
• Wind Power Designs
• Efficiency of Wind Energy
• Category:Energy Efficiency