These 8 facts will explain the basics of how you can stop giving your money to the big power conglomerates. With a small effort, you can become a big source of improvement for the environment and your wallet.
1. Residential wind power works by placing a wind generator on top of a high tower so that the wind turbine can collect the kinetic energy of the wind and convert this kinetic energy into clean and green electricity. Residential wind turbines of more than 1 kW are now functioning in several countries, in every state in the union and in every province of Canada. Windmills are a great way to cut down on power bills.
2. In some localities, you can make a deal with your local power authority. What it does is allow you to sell excess power to them. Your system will cost a bit in the short run but, since the turbines and equipment last 25 years or more, it will pay for itself many times over. In some localities, you can even get a tax break for being a producer of power.
3. A relatively new design of turbine are called Energy Balls. They have a radicall rotor design that includes the generator itself. Energy Balls are very efficient because they make use of microwinds and are usually sold in sizes below 6 feet across.
4. Turbines for home owners or small industry come in sizes varying from 1kW to 50 kW outputs. Turbines, like airplanes, utilize the laws of aerodynamics to work. Turbines can be made passively able to better cope with high wind speeds and light electrical loads with, for example, "furling" to point them out of high winds, or using designs such as VAWTs that tend to speed up less due to turbulence.
Some view wind towers and such as ugly and annoying. On the other hand, they are a lot prettier than power lines and smoke stacks from power generators.
5. Power generated from solar panels and home built wind generators has to be stored in deep-cycle battery banks until you need it. Battery banks are typically sized for one to three days of windless operation. You WILL need batteries to store excess power for use when the wind is calm.
6. There will be times when your system is producing more than you can use. If you can't or don't want to have to deal with the local authority to sell your power, you can use it by heating up the water in your hot water tank, for example. When the winds are not blowing and your batteries are saying "Help!", you can tap into your local power grid and buy just the power you need for a short time.
7. Some home wind power systems are tied into the local power grid. In times of excess, power is automatically sold and meterred to the local utility. In times of need, your system sucks power off the grid automatically and you are billed for what you use. All this can be easily done automatically but make sure the whole installation is approved by an electrician or other knowledgeable expert. Let electricity be your friend, not your enemy.
Building a wind generator from scratch is actually not as difficult as one may think. Get to know the technology available, make sure all local ordnances are obeyed and take your time. You are building for life.
There is evidence out there that birds, bats and other creatures are affected by home wind power generators. I personally believe this to be true so make sure that your install is as far away from their natural habitats as possible. I like the little beasties too.
8. This is not brain surgery but, you can get hurt or operate a system that is inefficient. Spend a little money now to learn from the best. This will allow you to knowledgeably build a system that will efficiently and safely deliver savings to you for years.
1. Residential wind power works by placing a wind generator on top of a high tower so that the wind turbine can collect the kinetic energy of the wind and convert this kinetic energy into clean and green electricity. Residential wind turbines of more than 1 kW are now functioning in several countries, in every state in the union and in every province of Canada. Windmills are a great way to cut down on power bills.
2. In some localities, you can make a deal with your local power authority. What it does is allow you to sell excess power to them. Your system will cost a bit in the short run but, since the turbines and equipment last 25 years or more, it will pay for itself many times over. In some localities, you can even get a tax break for being a producer of power.
3. A relatively new design of turbine are called Energy Balls. They have a radicall rotor design that includes the generator itself. Energy Balls are very efficient because they make use of microwinds and are usually sold in sizes below 6 feet across.
4. Turbines for home owners or small industry come in sizes varying from 1kW to 50 kW outputs. Turbines, like airplanes, utilize the laws of aerodynamics to work. Turbines can be made passively able to better cope with high wind speeds and light electrical loads with, for example, "furling" to point them out of high winds, or using designs such as VAWTs that tend to speed up less due to turbulence.
Some view wind towers and such as ugly and annoying. On the other hand, they are a lot prettier than power lines and smoke stacks from power generators.
5. Power generated from solar panels and home built wind generators has to be stored in deep-cycle battery banks until you need it. Battery banks are typically sized for one to three days of windless operation. You WILL need batteries to store excess power for use when the wind is calm.
6. There will be times when your system is producing more than you can use. If you can't or don't want to have to deal with the local authority to sell your power, you can use it by heating up the water in your hot water tank, for example. When the winds are not blowing and your batteries are saying "Help!", you can tap into your local power grid and buy just the power you need for a short time.
7. Some home wind power systems are tied into the local power grid. In times of excess, power is automatically sold and meterred to the local utility. In times of need, your system sucks power off the grid automatically and you are billed for what you use. All this can be easily done automatically but make sure the whole installation is approved by an electrician or other knowledgeable expert. Let electricity be your friend, not your enemy.
Building a wind generator from scratch is actually not as difficult as one may think. Get to know the technology available, make sure all local ordnances are obeyed and take your time. You are building for life.
There is evidence out there that birds, bats and other creatures are affected by home wind power generators. I personally believe this to be true so make sure that your install is as far away from their natural habitats as possible. I like the little beasties too.
8. This is not brain surgery but, you can get hurt or operate a system that is inefficient. Spend a little money now to learn from the best. This will allow you to knowledgeably build a system that will efficiently and safely deliver savings to you for years.
About the Author:
About The Author: Gene Vent is anEngineering Technologist. His lifelong mission has been to mix the best in research with nurturing the environment. His happiest accomplishment has been to forge a working partnership with a genius of innovation named David Knight. Learn everything there is to know about solar and Wind Power Generation at their Do It Yourself site Home Wind Power
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