Wind Turbine Energy

Posted by Rolf Joho on May 21st, 2010 filed in Global Warming

What constitutes a wind turbine? You may hear a wind turbine referred to as a windmill or wind generator. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but differeces exist. A wind turbine utilizes wind power to make mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is either used as is or changed to electrical energy. A windmill uses the mechanical energy as is for pumping out water or for grinding purposes, and the wind generator uses it to produce electricity. Are there different types of wind turbines? Wind turbines are classified into two types according to their orientation:

The Simple Build Wind Generator Video

1. Horizontal Axis Turbines – The turbine blades rotate along a horizontal axis.
2. Vertical Axis Turbines – The blades in these turbines turn along a vertical axis.

The type most commonly used is the horizontal axis turbine as it is far superior to the vertical axis turbine in efficiency. What are the advantages of implementing a wind turbine? The main ones are listed below:

• They Save Power: Wind turbines utilize a free source of energy – the wind. Thus they are a cost-effective way to make electricity. And since they don’t rely on non-renewable resources, they also benefit the earth as a whole.
• Cost Saving: The only cost involved in installing a wind turbine is the initial expense and the cost of upkeep. The energy is free and there is no other fuel.
• They’re Environmentally Safe: The wind turbines are environment friendly in that they do not emit harmful gases or affect the environment in a negative way.
• Uninterrupted Power Supply: Getting your electricity supply from a wind generator means you’ll no longer have to depend on a power company. In addition, you avoid the hurdles of power outages.

Construct a Wind Turbine

What are the factors you should consider prior to installing a wind turbine? Although installing a wind turbine is extremely beneficial for you and for the rest of the world, you need to be careful not to implement the solution in an incorrect way. Here are some things to consider in deciding whether to install a wind generator. Ensure that the following two conditions are met:

• An acre of land available for installation.
• Local wind speed must be around 11 mph
• The base and tower need to be sturdy enough to withstand turbulence.
• Ensure the correct height between the tower, the generator and the cells are achieved

View The Handyman’s Wind Turbine Video

 

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