Generating Electricity
with a Wind Turbine
by April Sanders
Wind energy is the fastest-growing source of energy in the United States. Clean
and relatively inexpensive wind turbines harness the energy in wind and are an
attractive option for those looking for an alternative way to power their
homestead. Wind turbines can be used to power a single home, or several turbines
can be connected to power an electrical grid. Using a single residential wind
turbine can decrease the homeowner's electrical bill by as much as 90%.
Wind turbines, like all turbines, are engines that convert kinetic energy into
mechanical energy. They consist of two or three blades designed to rotate in the
wind. The blades are connected to a shaft, which in turn is connected to a
generator. The turbines are placed atop tall towers (residential turbines
average around 100 feet tall) to better capture the energy in wind. When enough
wind moves the blades, they rotate enough to power up the generator, producing
electricity.
In residential applications, wind turbines are typically used in conjunction
with a local utility company. One turbine rated in the range of 5 to 15
kilowatts is all that is needed to provide enough power to run the average
household. If the wind speed drops below 10 mph, electricity is provided by
solely by the utility company. When the wind speeds are higher than 10 mph, the
wind turbine works with the grid to supply power to the home. The higher the
wind, the more power the turbine will produce. In cases where the wind turbine
produces more power than the house needs, the extra power created by the turbine
can be sold to the utility company. This transfer of power between the turbine
and utility provider is automatic and does not need to be managed by the
homeowner.
 Before investing in a wind turbine system, consider the following factors. Wind
turbines only work in areas that get a fair amount of wind. Homes that are
tucked into the shelter of hills are not suited to wind power. If you are unsure
about the amount of wind on your property, you will need to take wind
measurements for at least a few months before investing in a wind turbine
system. The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) suggests that a potential
wind turbine owner should have an average wind speed of 10 MPH on his property.
Wind turbines are also quite large. While they don't take up a lot of horizontal
space, they do tower vertically over nearby homes and trees. For this reason,
wind turbines should not be used in suburban areas. In fact, the AWEA recommends
a minimum property size of one acre.
Be sure to think carefully about possible legal and developmental issues. Some
counties have height restrictions on structures. Neighbors might object to their
view of the hills being blocked by a wind turbine, or they may complain about
the noise it makes. A planned shopping mall might block access to the wind in
five years. Finally, don't forget to contact your local utility company to make
sure you can connect your wind turbine to their electrical grid before you
actually do so.
Wind turbine systems designed for residential use range in cost from $6,000 to
over $20,000, depending on size, warranty, and installation. Most systems
include the tower and installation in the purchase price. The average homeowner
will not recoup his monetary investment for a minimum of six years and probably
not for at least ten years. The investment made in producing reliable, clean
energy, however, will have an immediate and positive impact on the environment.
|
|
|
|
|