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Small
Domestic Wind Turbines UK |
DIY
Home Wind Turbine Kits & Generators |
Domestic
Wind Turbines or Home Wind
Turbines can be a source of free energy which is obtainable from urban/rural wind generator locations
provided the right conditions prevail. The information provided here
provides a guide for suitable installation and location of a home
wind turbine
for domestic or business use, whereby you can generate your own
electricity. |
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Domestic
Wind
Turbine kits, this is an
introduction and guide to renewable energy options, in this case we will
examine the installation and use of this method for generating your own
electricity.
There are many
factors that determine the suitability of a turbine for domestic use, not
least in urban areas, where the proximity of other buildings have a
pronounced effect on the wind turbines efficiency to deliver electricity. |
Home Wind
Turbines
The
"free" energy source is, of course, the wind itself, there are
considerations to be taken into account here, particularly the geographical location in
the UK, (Some locations are windier than others around the UK), you
can check the annual speed in your area by using the DTI's
interactive windspeed database, you will require to enter a grid
reference for your proposed location of the turbines. The average
speeds for the given location are then displayed to see if your area is
suitable for a wind generator.
In general terms, you will need an AMWS (annual mean wind speed) of at
least 4 m/s to be able to generate a reasonable amount of energy, and
ideally in excess of 4.5 m/s.
Domestic Wind Turbine In The Urban Environment
It is not
recommended to install a turbine on a building, particularly in an
urban environment;
- Increased turbulence is likely, resulting in higher stresses on the
trap, and also lower energy capture for any given wind speed.
- There is a likelyhood of a greater number of people living and/or
working close to the installation, therefore increased margins of safety
need to be applied, and the noise generated by the trap must be
lowered.
- Extra precautions may need to be taken to limit the transmission of
vibrations into the structure of the building.
- The average wind speed in a town or city environment will be much
less than the UK national database (NOABL) suggests, and
thus will significantly reduce the annual energy capture rate.
Home & Domestic
turbine generators are more suitable in rural locations, where wind speeds
are greater and higher operational efficiencies are sustainable. Again,
wind turbines mounted on buildings is not advisable, the usual
installation comprises of the trap mounted on either a guyed tower or
free standing tower. Tower mounted traps generally are not so prone to
turbulence created by nearby trees or buildings.
Small
Scale Electricity Generation
Home Wind turbines
generate their power by rotating a permanent magnet generator inside of
them which in turn can generate single or three phase AC power at the
frequency of the trap's rotation.
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This power from the generator is at
the wrong voltage to be connected to the national grid, but also, as the
wind speed changes so does the rotational speed of the machine, and
therefore the frequency of the power generated. The power from the
generator has to be converted to DC (Direct Current) and then fed into an
inverter unit to convert the voltage and maintain it at 230VAC and 50Hz,
this complies with the local UK grid system. |
The power generated will
supply your own property, saving you money on your electricity utility
bill. The excess energy your trap generates, e.g. on windy days or at
night, is "spilled over" to the National Grid and your local
electricity supplier pays you for the amount you supply through a metering
system.
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To charge
your electricity supplier for any energy that you export to the grid, you
require to have a bi-directional electricity meter fitted which will meter
both when you buy (import) and sell (export) electricity. To claim your
sale of Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROCs) you will also require a
ROC meter, this meter will keep track of all the energy your turbine
generates, irrespective of it being utilised by your home or business, or
exported to the grid. The normal output for a domestic wind turbine is
around 5KW, larger turbines generate up to 20KW if your power demand is
greater. |
There are a
growing number of UK suppliers of small wind turbines for home use, and informative
sites on the subject. It is even possible to build a DIY wind trap to
generate home electricity. We have listed some websites below which can provide
further information and can also offer advice and professional
installation. See
also PV & Solar Panels
for renewable electricity generation. Renewable
Energy systems and resources for low carbon power generation and
renewable energy technology using sustainable resources.
Greenphase
UK Environmental Guide To Alternative Technology & Green Lifestyle.
Micropower
The UK body representing micropower or microgeneration industries
committed to developing home based energy generation solutions.
Segen
Authorised distributor and installer for the Iskra AT5-1 5kW, Skystream
1.8kW and Westwind 20kW small wind turbines.
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Looking
for Energy Advice for your Home? A
Domestic Energy Assessor can
provide free advice about your home, including energy efficiency
measures to help you to save money for energy costs, as well as providing an energy certificate.
Find an assessor in your local area:
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