wind power generation
Your Questions About Wind Turbine Generators Wiki
James asks…
How much longer are we going to put up with these stupid wind turbines?
Recent research has proved that the power that these hideous contraptions put out is unbelievably puny and that they are monstrously inefficient. When are the wind energy plant kissers going to admit that they have been conned?
admin answers:
They’re not bad. Research makes them better all the time, and they’re getting steadily more important. So many people don’t agree that they’re bad.
“At the end of 2006, worldwide capacity of wind-powered generators was 74,223 megawatts; although it currently produces less than 1% of world-wide electricity use, it accounts for approximately 20% of electricity use in Denmark, 9% in Spain, and 7% in Germany. Globally, wind power generation more than quadrupled between 2000 and 2006.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power
They’re one important tool in fighting against global warming. They’re not going away any time soon.
George asks…
what are the necessary parts to build a small wind turbine?
what parts are required?
is a gearbox needed and what is the price range of everything since i don’t want to just buy a complete system, finally where are the parts available for purchase?
admin answers:
If you actually want to use it for anything serious, you are better off to buy a small wind turbine for a few hundred $ than to try to build one yourself. Prices on small win turbine generators have come down over the years.
If on the other hand, you just want a simple demonstration device, all you need is a generator with a shaft of adequate length, a fan assembly to bolt to it, a post to mount it on, output leads and some bits of hardware. This will produce a varying and uncertain voltage……
BUT…………..
You can then gussy it up with a wind vane and a pivot and add control electronics and you may well end up with something usable.
Here are two sites to help you go that route:
http://greenterrafirma.com/DIY_Wind_Turbine.html
http://www.mdpub.com/Wind_Turbine/
http://en.howtopedia.org/wiki/How_to_Build_a_Small_Wind_Turbine
Have fun!
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Wind Power
Wind Power is an interesting concept and design that converts energy from the wind to a more useful form of energy. The use of wind power has roots in the ancient European flour mills and the American water pumps. Wind turbines are the most commonly used tool of conversion and the wind power is most usably converted to electricity.
Dating back to as early as the first century AD, man has been using wind power to generate energy. European flour mills utilized the efforts of windmills, as did the American farming and ranching industries.
Large wind farms help to convert large amounts of wind power into usable energy to help power local areas. Some countries have found ways to utilize this excellent energy source to benefit their growing populations. Today, Denmark uses wind power to accommodate approximately one fifth of its total electricity production. Across the world, wind power generation is increasing exponentially and is beginning to be seen as a great renewable energy resource.
Wind power is environmentally friendly, world-wide, and highly renewable. As far as renewable resources, greenhouse gases, and environmental hazards are concerned, wind power is an excellent alternative to fossil fuel derived electricity. However, wind power does begin to come under fire when the topic is the location of the large and sometimes unsightly wind turbines. Situated in the best wind sites, these modern looking structures tend to devalue the scenery and natural landscape.
Today, there are thousands of modern wind turbines in production all over the world, and as of 2004, wind power was the fasting growing energy resource. With the global community focusing on more environmentally friendly energy options, the use of wind power is becoming more and more prevalent. Although the United States is not the highest converter or user of wind energy, it is adding more of this renewable energy to its power grid than any other nation in the world.
Apart from the international community and large scale use of wind power, more individuals are beginning to see and seek the benefits of small wind generation systems to power their homes and small businesses. On such small scales, wind power is highly cost efficient and clean.
Although wind power has a lot of potential, the logistics of its use are debatable. Wind farms tend to develop at sites in remote locations, which significantly increase the cost of production due to transport costs, and no one can fully be sure of the direct or indirect environmental damage of the proliferation of wind power. Despite the theoretical consequences, wind power conversion is on the rise and will be for years to come.
Wind Power Residential
With the rise of awareness and use of wind power, residential areas are beginning to see more wind turbines. The rising cost of energy and the increased environmental awareness around the world is paving the way for the use of wind power residentially. Today, nations are developing aggressive energy policies that better utilize wind energy, and local economies are seeing the benefits of small scale employment of wind power.
Many companies and factories sell wind power residential kits that are easy to use and understand. Although these kits can cost well into the thousands of dollars, builders can significantly save if they buy the wind power residential kits directly from the factory and assemble them themselves.
By using wind power, residential owners can expect to reduce their utility bills between fifty and ninety percent. In cases where the wind turbines are situated in ideal locations, homeowners can even turn a profit on the energy generation. The concept is easy. When the energy generated is more than the energy used, local utility companies automatically purchase the excess energy. Over a long period time, wind power residential use may be significantly less than the wind power generated causing quite a significant profit for the owner.
Basically, a wind power residential kit is installed (either by the company or the owner), and a wind turbine is situated on top of a tall structure (most likely a tower). The tower collects energy from the wind and converts it into a useable energy source that is compatible with the home system. In typical cases, residences are powered by a combination of wind energy and purchased electricity from a local utility company. As long as the wind speeds are conducive to electricity generation, the residence remains powered by the wind power residential kit. When the wind speeds decline and electricity is not produced, the residence is powered by purchased energy. For residences in particularly windy areas, energy production may be significantly higher than the energy produced in less windy regions.
Homeowners interested in purchasing wind power residential kits should consult their local authorities for local regulations and information about wind power generation in the particular area. Builders should also consult the US Department of Energy for efficiency estimates and information about the size of wind turbines that would be necessary for the area.
In the end, many homeowners have found the economical benefits of wind energy production to be profitable. With the rising cost of energy and transportation, the idea of this investment can be both profitable and practical for homeowners with enough time, patience, and knowledge to make it happen.
Wind Power Generation
Wind power generation in the United States has grown by nearly 45 percent in 2007. Rising public awareness of environmental issues and the escalating costs of energy production have significantly contributed to aggressive energy policies around the world as nations clamor for policies that engage alternative energy sources. Wind power generation is a clean and cost-efficient energy source that is widely preferred over fossil fuel based energy sources. In recent years, residential use of wind power generation has exploded exponentially in attempts to save on utility bills, generate profits, and do their part to help the environment.
The concept of wind power generation is not terribly difficult to understand. Basically, wind turbines, which are strategically located, collect and convert wind energy into electricity. The wind turbines are connected to electrical grids. Individual turbines can convert energy in small localities, and large scale wind farms can convert energy into larger scale electric grids.
On a small scale, wind power generation is extremely cost efficient and can even turn a profit for owners with wind turbines in prime locations. On a larger scale, however, cost efficiency is greatest when wind power generation is used as a supplementary measure. The purchase of wind power generation kits is still highly practical for home or small business use.
Wind power generation for small localities is best employed with purchased electricity as a back-up. Wind energy is the main source of energy to power an area but is supplemented with the purchased energy when wind speed is too low to effectively produce electricity. Conversely, wind energy can be generated to excess and the excess amount of energy will automatically be bought by local utility companies. This is how wind power generation not only saves in utility bills, but puts money directly in the pockets of its owners.
Wind energy is highly renewable. The general consensus is that this form of energy is much cleaner than other alternative energy sources, especially energy sources that are fossil fuel derived. However, there is some debate concerning the placement of wind turbines and wind farms. Because the best sites for wind power generation tend to be in scenic mountain areas and coastal areas, many claim that the aesthetics of wind turbines and wind farms are unnatural and devalue the landscape.
Nonetheless, wind power generation is being steadily employed. The cost-efficiency and environmental friendly nature of the energy source are amazing advantages and should not be ignored. Although the full direct and indirect impact of wind power generation may never be known, wind energy is a practical response to todays energy problems.
Your Questions About Wind Turbine Generators Wiki
David asks…
Can I use electric fan motors as generator?
Here in the philippines air is very windy so i am planning to build a wind turbine.
admin answers:
Yes but you won’t get much current out of it. The wind turbines that you see on top of high poles are huge. They don’t look it from the ground but you could walk around inside them. Also, in order to be practical, you need to hook the generator up to a storage device (batteries) in order to store the electricity (otherwise, you’ll only get current when the wind is blowing). So, it’s not really practical but you should try just for the knowledge of it. Be careful though, you will be working with high voltage and you need to take precautions. The link below is to a wikipedia article on wind power that’s pretty good.
Http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power
John asks…
How does wind energy work? I know a little, but does anyone have a clearer idea?
I’ve tried some internet sites, but none of them have given me any real idea of how it works except “It turns the blades and generates electricity”
I am really interested in Wind energy, and how it works. Anyone have a somewhat clearer explanation for me? Thanks.
admin answers:
Wind spins turbines which powers a generator. That’s the easy way to explain it. But if you want to know more in detail:
“Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form, such as electricity, using wind turbines. At the end of 2007, worldwide capacity of wind-powered generators was 94.1 gigawatts.[1] Although wind currently produces about 1% of world-wide electricity use,[2] it accounts for approximately 19% of electricity production in Denmark, 9% in Spain and Portugal, and 6% in Germany and the Republic of Ireland (2007 data). Globally, wind power generation increased more than fivefold between 2000 and 2007.[1]
Most wind power is generated in the form of electricity. Large scale wind farms are connected to electrical grids. Individual turbines can provide electricity to isolated locations. In windmills, wind energy is used directly as mechanical energy for pumping water or grinding grain.
Wind energy is plentiful, renewable, widely distributed, clean, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions when it displaces fossil-fuel-derived electricity. The intermittency of wind seldom creates problems when using wind power to supply a low proportion of total demand. Where wind is to be used for a moderate fraction of demand, additional costs for compensation of intermittency are considered to be modest.[3]”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power
Hope that helps you. 🙂
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Wind Power Facts
Wind power usage is on the rise as industry leaders and residential owners are discovering this cost-efficient and environmentally friendly energy alternative. In 2007 alone, the United States expanded its wind power generation by 45%. The American Wind Energy Association, along with many environmental and special interests groups, is dedicated to providing interested parties with wind power facts and information to help promote the use of wind energy.
The US wind power industry spans approximately thirty-four states and generate approximately one percent of the total national energy supply. This one percent represents nearly 4.5 million homes that are powered by wind power. As far as wind power facts and estimates for 2008, the year is expected to render a strong performance that could rival 2007. However, the proliferation of wind energy production is highly dependent on tax credits and business incentives for the wind power industry. Current incentives and estimates are scheduled to terminate at the end of the year.
Wind power facts and estimates are consistently touting the cost efficiency of wind energy as an energy alternative. Residences with wind energy conversion capabilities find significant reductions in their overall utility bills. It is not uncommon for households using a combination of wind energy and purchased energy to see a reduction of fifty to ninety percent on their electric bills. Although the initial investment in wind energy conversion may be steep, wind power facts show that the installment of wind turbines and generators will payoff and may even become profitable. Wind turbines in prime locations, receiving greater unobstructed wind speeds, can produce a surplus amount of energy which is then automatically purchased by the utility company. In this manner, wind power can be directly profitable to owners.
Wind power is globally recognized as a clean and safe energy alternative, much more so than other alternative energy supplies that are fossil fuel derived. However, wind power facts and estimates are constantly changing to accommodate for the quickly evolving wind power technology. What were once considered environmental problems, are being solved and altered in the most unobtrusive ways. For example, it was once true that wind turbines and wind energy generation was quite noisy. Todays wind turbines that incorporate modern technology and engineering are much quieter or are placed in isolated locations. What has remained consistent in wind power facts and information is the cleanliness of production and the renewal of the energy resource.
Theoretically speaking, there is enough wind power in the United States to fulfill all of the nations energy needs. With such a clean and cost-efficient energy alternative at our disposal, it would be practical and economical to research and seriously consider the extended use of wind power.
Wind Power Companies
Wind power is the fastest growing alternative energy source in the world. As such, it can be expected that wind power companies are proliferating as entrepreneurs are beginning to see the practical and economic benefits of wind energy conversion. Since the beginning of the millennium, wind power companies have been emerging as leaders in the energy industry. The environmentally friendly and economically practical nature of wind energy is a huge factor in the proliferation of the market. Currently wind power companies are broken down into two main categories: commercial scale and small scale.
Commercial scale wind power companies are dedicated to large scale turbines that generate 100 kW or greater and are generally connected to a large grid system. These companies are extremely complex and offer many resources for nations and large businesses that are looking into this beneficial energy alternative. Small scale wind power companies are simpler yet increasingly customer oriented. These companies offer installation services and general consultants for customers. Their customers tend to be individuals and small businesses. Individuals looking to save a bundle on wind power installation can buy wind energy kits straight from the wind power company and install the converters themselves. This is probably the best option for builders with a little time, patience, and knowledge of electric grids.
As more nations take aggressive energy policies in the direction of wind energy conversion and less dependency on fossil fuel derived energy sources, the wind power companies will continue to grow. This is great for environmentalists and those worried about the fate of nations dependent on foreign energy sources.
Wind energy is highly renewable and widely believed to be environmentally safe. However, the biggest debate regarding wind energy is over the placement of unsightly turbines. Since the best locations for wind power generation are open fields, mountainsides, and Oceanside, complaints are made that the turbines disrupt the natural aesthetics of the areas. While this is concerning, modern wind farms are continuously being built in these areas and no other environmental effects are seen. Though, the full scope of direct and indirect consequences of increased wind energy usage may never be seen.
The wind power companies are touting their environmental friendliness and cost-efficient product. As a zero emissions energy source and economical alternative to fossil fuel derived energy, the wind power industry is growing exponentially. In fact, the clean energy is beginning to fill the supply-demand disparity that has been growing in the United States for years. From nations to home residences, everyone has the capabilities to do their share for the environment.
Your Questions About Wind Turbines Oklahoma
Mary asks…
What are some negative effects of energy producing wind mills or solar panels?
admin answers:
The biggest problems are that the most well suited places to put them are not usually where the need for the power is greatest.
I live out in West Texas just below the pan-handle. There are “wind farms” all over here, because the wind blows all the time. Other than a small city (Midland/Odessa) there is very little industry nearby. It’s 250 miles to Dallas/Fort Worth or El Paso and farther still to Oklahoma City, Houston or Austin. , Transmission of the power over distances is an engineering problem that still doesn’t have a good solution.
Similarly, we have some sunshine almost every day of the year. Solar works here, but where do we send it? Areas like Chicago and Boston need the power, but don’t have the sunshine as reliably.
Still, on a local level, we get a lot of our power from alternative sources. I feel good about that.
Edit specifically for Johnnie B – There is blessed little that stops the wind in west Texas. It slows some at sundown, but rarely stops. Maybe in East Texas, but that’s 400 miles from here.
Edit for asker – I’m not sure if my original answer was what you meant by “negative effects,” though. There are reports of large numbers of birds being killed by collision with the blades of a wind turbine, but that hasn’t proven to be true here. Some find the towers unsightly. I think they are rather elegant. As far as the “not in my back yard” argument – well, I’ve heard that the power company pays rent on the land for each tower of about $10,000 per year. I could get to like the guaranteed income. 5 towers, and I’d make more than my full-time teaching job paid. There are few other “negative” effects. Solar and wind power generation do not cause noise or air pollution, no mystery radiation source, no ground water contamination. They are two of the “cleanest” sources of power available.
Richard asks…
What problems are happening now that we will have to face in the future in Kansas?
What problems in Kansas are occuring now, that we will have to face more into the future?
admin answers:
I know a big issue is related to the Ogallala Aquifer in western Kansas is being drained by the central states faster than can be replenished and is an issue that will be critical in the future. If there is not enough water supported there, farm lands can not be water, homes will be without water and the balance of the earth can be lost. Water issues are critical to Kansas and when I took an enviornmental science course, my professor was also involved with the State Department of Agriculture, and said how Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Nebraska like to fight amongst themselves about water rights, pollution of water and so on.
I think also energy issues will be a major thing. With the increase in costs of energy, there might be a big push for wind turbines on the Plains. It will be a major issue in the future, even in the near future since wind can be good clean energy. Right now coal is being used in Kansas and people are getting upset at the pollution from it and so on.
Plus, Kansas being so close to agriculture, the problem of fertile soil will be a big issue. If they continue to overfarm, there could come a time when the ground doesn’t support agriculture, like with the Aquifer.
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Home Wind Power
Home Wind Power
Many people are finding solutions to the growing energy crisis with home wind power systems. In fact, 2007 showed an increase in the wind energy market by 45%. While this figure incorporates the large scale market and small scale market, the fact remains that wind power generation is on the rise. This is true globally, as well. All around the world, nations are developing energy policies that incorporate or reward wind energy. With such a booming market, it is no wonder why homeowners and small business owners are turning to home wind power to meet their demands.
Homeowners or small business owners interested in home wind power generation should consult their local authorities before beginning any project. Local rules and regulations vary greatly around the country and local standards must be applied before construction. Also, the local authorities may have added information regarding wind power in a particular area that prospective builders will not find anywhere else. Another great resource is the Department of Energy. The Department of Energy can provide data and statistics that could save builders a hefty portion of money during the construction phase of home wind power generation.
Once research and data have been collected and the proper permits obtained, homeowners should decide on a prime location for their home wind power turbine. The turbine will need to be placed on a tall tower approximately eighty feet high. The wind turbine should also be placed in a location that receives unobstructed and high wind speeds. Open fields, Oceanside, and mountainside tend to be the most productive locations. It is also important to consider other homeowners or property owners in the area. Many people are not aware that modern wind turbine technology has resolved most noise complaints, so some concerns will probably be raised.
After the location has been selected, builders should look into several factories and manufacturers in order to purchase the correct home wind power kit to fulfill the specific needs. Home wind power kits come in a variety of sizes and styles. If the primary goal is to generate enough electricity to supply the household, one particular kit may be needed. If the primary goal is to generate a surplus of electricity with the intent to sell back to the utility company, an entirely different kit may be needed. Picking the appropriate home wind power kit is also highly dependent on the wind conditions in a particular area. A larger or smaller turbine may be necessary depending on wind speed and obstruction.
Regardless of the technicalities of production, building a home wind power kit is entirely doable. With a little patience and knowledge, homeowners can reap the economic benefits of a personal wind power generate that can be expected to significantly lower their utility bills.
