Some more words about wind energy and wind sources. Wind energy – the energy sector, specializing in the use of wind energy – kinetic energy of air masses in the atmosphere. Wind energy attributed to renewable energy, as it is a consequence of the sun. Wind energy is a booming industry.

Windmills used for grinding grain in Persia in earlies 200 BC. Mills of this type were common in the Islamic world and in the 13th century brought to Europe by the Crusaders. In the XVI century in Europe’s cities begin to build a water pumping stations with the use of hydraulic and wind mills. Windmills that produce electricity, were invented in the 19th century in Denmark.

Blow the bills from the table

There, in 1890 year was built the first wind farm, and by 1908 year, there were already 72 stations ranging from 5 to 25 kW. The largest of them had a height of 24 m tower and four-bladed rotor diameter of 23 m. The predecessor of modern windmills with the horizontal axis was 100 kW and was built in 1931 in Yalta, Russia. It had a tower of 30 m. By 1941, unit capacity of wind power station reached 1.25 MW. In the period from 1940 to 1970 wind power is going through a period of decline due to intensive development of transmission and distribution networks for independent power supply on the weather for reasonable money.Revival of interest in wind energy began in 1980, when California began providing tax incentives for producers of electricity from wind. Most prevalent in the world got wind turbine design with three blades and the horizontal axis of rotation, although in some places still meet and bilobed. The most promising sites for energy production from wind are coastal areas.

Wind generators in operation almost does not consume fossil fuels. The work of one wind turbine for 20 years with power of 1 MW will save about 29 thousand tons of coal or 92 thousand barrels of oil. In contrast to conventional thermal power plants, wind farms do not use water that can significantly reduce pressure on water resources.

Wind power, also has the names of wind turbine, wind generator, wind generators and windmills. Wind power is used to power small farms, houses and cottages. Wind power can provide electricity to individual consumers for the use of lighting, appliances, a TV and much more.

Wind power – a few wind turbines assembled in one or more locations. Large wind farms can contain 100 or more turbines. Wind power plants built in areas with high average wind speeds – from 4,5 m/s and above. Previously there must be special research of the potential areas. Anemometers installed at a height of 30 to 100 meters, and within one to two years gathering information about wind speed and direction. The information obtained can be combined to map the availability of wind energy. These maps (and a special software) allow potential investors to evaluate the rate of return on the project. Wind speed increases with height. Therefore, wind farms are built on top of hills or uplands, and generator mounted on tall towers of 30-60 meters. Take into account things that can affect the wind: trees, large buildings, etc.

During the construction of wind power is taken into account the influence of wind turbines on the environment. Laws adopted in the UK, Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark, restrict the noise level of running wind power plant of up to 45 dB in daytime and 35 dB at night. Minimum distance from installation to homes – 300 m.

The history of windmills (a name given to wind power, wind power generators) began in the last century. Already in 1995, using of wind turbines worked out four and a half thousand megawatts of electricity. The cost of wind turbines at this time decreased significantly, and consequently the cost per kilowatt has become smaller. For statistics: in 1988, cost of a kilowatt-hour of electricity was 40 cents, today it is approximately equal to 5 cents. So, this cost is approaching to the cost of electricity generated by traditional sources of energy (oil, coal, gas).

The use of wind power (wind turbines) has several advantages compared to other power plants:

– Development and installation of wind turbines are very expensive procedure, but you need to consider such an advantage as the use of free wind energy
– When compared to nuclear power, then, using wind power is no problem of storage and processing of nuclear waste
– The use of wind turbines, is a very environmentally friendly way to generate electricity.

The only drawback in the use of wind power is the lack of wind, not all regions have the opportunity to put wind turbines, because of the low frivolity in those areas where there is enough wind may not be required to install wind turbines due to its distance from residential houses, villages and other sites .

Will wind energy work for me?

Wind energy works well on properties with a good wind resource. The Wind Energy Program provides wind resource maps that show average wind energy across each state. These maps provide a good overview of your state’s wind resources. However, wind can vary due to your locations physical characteristics which may include trees, hills and buildings. An experienced renewable energy contractor can perform a more detailed wind assessment to accurately define, measure, and forecast available wind resources at your location.

How much energy will a wind turbine generate?

The amount of energy produced by a wind turbine is dependent on its size and the speed of the wind. Residential wind turbines typically have a generation capacity of 400 watts to 100 kilowatts. If a 10 Kilowatt turbine is installed in an area with 12mph winds, it can produce an estimated 10,000 kWh per year, enough to power an average household for a year. Your renewable energy contractor can determine the size of turbine you require by estimating the amount of energy you need against the wind energy production you can expect at your location.

What zoning and permit issues will affect construction of a wind turbine?

Zoning laws control whether or not you can install a wind turbine at your location and may restrict its height although a variance may be obtained. Generally, zoning for wind turbines is easier in rural areas than in urban and suburban locations. Check your local zoning laws or ask your renewable energy contractor for help. Building and electrical permits can also be obtained by your contractor to ensure the structural and electrical safety of your turbine.

Where should I build a wind turbine?

Wind turbines are best placed in open plains or hilltops using towers to provide access to strong, prevailing winds. The bottom of the turbine blade should be a minimum of 30 feet above anything within 300 – 500 feet of the turbine. You’ll want to take into consideration any obstacles that may hinder the speed and force of wind flow including buildings and the present and future height of trees. The higher the turbine is, the more wind energy can be harnessed. Your renewable energy technician can help determine the best place for your turbine.

Do wind turbines produce any noise?

Today’s wind turbines are made with slender, aerodynamic blade tips that create little noise. Since background noises – traffic, rain, wind blowing through the trees – are very similar to the low inaudible sound of a wind turbine, it is difficult to recognize its sound in the environment.

Can I connect my wind energy system to the utility grid?

Wind energy systems can be grid-tied or connected to the local electrical grid. A grid-tied system allows you to pull electricity from the utility grid when your wind turbine is not producing power. When the wind system produces more power than your house needs, the excess is sent back to the utility grid. This is called net metering. You can receive credit for your excess energy which can then be applied to the electricity you get from the utility company when your energy usage exceeds your wind energy output. Using net metering can greatly reduce or even eliminate your electric bill.

What is a hybrid wind energy system?

Hybrid wind energy systems can provide reliable off-grid power for your home by combining wind and solar photovoltaic technologies. The varying peak operating times for wind and solar PV make hybrid systems more likely to produce power when you need it. At times when wind speeds are low during summer months, the sun shines the longest. And when less sunlight is available during winter months and at night, winds tend to be stronger. When neither the wind nor solar are producing energy, hybrid systems receive power through batteries or a generator.

How long do wind energy turbines last?

Wind energy turbines last approximately 20 to 25 years with regular maintenance.

Do wind turbines affect birds?

It has been found that wind turbines and wildlife are coexisting successfully. Wind energy’s overall impact on birds is extremely low compared to other causes such as utility lines, windows, buildings, pesticides, vehicles and cats. A more notable threat to birds comes from climate change and the loss of habitat worsened by the extraction and use of fossil fuels.

What incentives are available for wind energy?

DSIREusa.org can give you up-to-date information on incentives and policies that support the use of renewable energy. Federal tax credits and state incentives will significantly reduce the cost of your wind energy system.

A renewable home energy contractor can help you turn the energy of the wind into clean, renewable electricity for your home.

1. Evaluation – Is wind energy a smart choice for you?

Does the wind blow fast and consistent enough at your property to make wind energy an economically wise choice for you? This question is not simply answered since many factors influence wind levels. To gain a clear picture of whether wind energy will work for you, a professional wind assessment study to accurately define, measure, and forecast available wind resources will need to be made at your site. Your renewable home energy contractor can do just that.

Using wind resource maps and databases, a wind turbine contractor will evaluate the mean annual wind speed in your area. Since your specific location can have varied winds, wind speed and direction will also be measured on-site and analyzed. A thorough assessment of the terrain, layout and vegetation of your property will be performed taking into consideration any obstacles that may hinder the speed and force of wind flow including buildings and the present and future height of trees.

Typically, wind turbines are placed in open plains and on hilltops or hillsides to ensure access to strong, prevailing winds. The bottom of the turbine blade should be a minimum of 30 feet above anything within 300 – 500 feet of the turbine. Since the speed and the force of the wind are essential factors to the amount of power a wind turbine generates, the higher the turbine is, the more wind energy can be harnessed. Your technician can locate the best place for your turbine to produce energy for primary, supplemental, or backup power use.

2. Design – A wind turbine sized to meet your needs 

The most common residential wind systems consist of a single horizontal-axis turbine with two or three blades that can produce just enough power to meet the demands of a home, farm or small business. To determine the height of the tower and the size of the rotor you require, your contractor will estimate the amount of energy you need against how much energy production you can expect from a wind turbine based on your average annual wind speed.

The space needed for your system depends on the type of tower your turbine uses. A guyed tower consisting of a metal tower supported by guy cables and earth anchors needs a large radius that is one-half to three-quarters of the tower height, whereas a self-supporting lattice or a monopole/tubular tower takes up less room. Whether your wind energy will be used to power your home or a water pumping system for your farm, the length of the wire run between the turbine and its load will be carefully evaluated since a substantial amount of electricity can be lost the longer the wire run.

Your renewable home energy contractor will handle any local permits and zoning requirements as well as neighborhood ordinances regarding wind turbine construction in your area.

3. Construction – Harnessing the wind’s energy

While construction of industrial wind farms can take several months to a year or more depending on their size, residential wind turbine towers usually take just a few days.  The assembly of your turbine system may vary. Typically, the tower of the turbine is secured to the ground on a cement base at the chosen site. This cement, once poured, will need to cure for several days.

The tower poles and the generator may be hoisted and secured to the base using a crane. If a tilt-down tower is used, the assembled system can be raised and lowered automatically. This makes maintenance easier for the homeowner. Your contractor will also install all the system components that connect the wind turbine to your home or other application.

4. Maintenance – Keeping the wind working for you

Wind energy systems are one of the most cost-effective home-based renewable energy systems available. Proper placement of your turbine is essential to its performance and stability since poor placement in extremely turbulent conditions may shorten its working life.

Your renewable home energy contractor will provide ongoing regular inspections as well as monitoring services to ensure the highest production of electricity possible. Quality wind turbines are engineered for safety and are designed for over 20 years of operation to give you maximum return on your renewable energy investment. If properly installed and maintained, your new wind turbine will supply you with clean, inexpensive energy for many years.

Wind is a clean source of renewable energy that can be used to generate electricity. Large wind turbines produce enough electricity to power entire cities, whereas smaller turbines can be installed in your backyard to power your home.

Why is wind good for us?

Wind turbines capture the wind’s energy and convert it to electricity, resulting in a less expensive alternative to your high energy bill each month.

As wind passes across the blades, the turbine begins to move. This allows the electric generator inside the turbine to produce electricity, which can be directly applied to your home’s needs or stored in batteries for later use.

Wind energy doesn’t require any fuel to operate and is a very efficient form of renewable energy. To learn if wind energy is a viable alternative for your home, connect with an installer today.