One of the great aspects of technology is the ability to make vast improvements in design and efficiency on items that have been around for many years. In recent years the improvements in design and efficiency for residential wind turbines has been vast, bringing with it hopes and dreams for future generations.
A Colorado company is introducing a system that will allow wind turbines to generate power even when the wind is not blowing. The SmartGen hybrid gas-wind turbine enables wind turbines to produce energy at periods of low wind, by turning the turbine with compressed air generated at the base of the tower from a turbo-compressor that is run on natural gas or biogas.
Even more importantly, the SmartGen system can be retrofitted into existing wind turbines, allowing existing facilities to increase their performance. This is likely to be particularly compelling for installations seeking to extend their production while remaining free of fossil fuels. In areas where biogas production is also available nearby, a wind power facility that is generating renewable energy credits could likely also produce power from biogas in this manner as another form of renewable power and thereby remain 100% renewable energy based.
A smart clutch disengages the wind blades from the machinery when the compressor is engaged. The company also notes that the exhausted air from the air motor cools dramatically when it is released, which can help provide cooling for the generator nacelle and may even help prevent fires in the housing.
Read the rest of this entry »
August 30th, 2010 | Posted in Do-it-Yourself, General, Homemade, Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine, Vertical-Axis Wind Turbine | Comments Off
Tata, one of the largest business groups in India is planning to launch innovative clean energy technologies in rural areas as it plans to grab the opportunity of India’ rapidly expanding power sector.
The Tata Power Company, a subsidiary of the Tata group, plans to test a 2 kW wind turbine which would generate enough electricity to meet the basic demands of an small rural home. With several thousand villages still not connected with the national grid this micro turbine could prove highly beneficial.
The 2 kW turbine which can be mounted on rooftops would be enough to power multiple ceiling fans (rated 60 W) and bulbs/lights (rated 40 W). Even more appliances if battery systems are coupled with the wind turbines.
The Tata’s have been investing heavily in clean energy technologies and distributed power generation. Another of its subsidiaries, Tata BP Solar has setup pilot projects to test and demonstrate power evacuation technology to main grid from rooftop solar panels.
July 8th, 2010 | Posted in Energy Use, General, Horizontal-Axis Wind Turbine | Comments Off
Residential Wind Power is an excellent means of generating electricity. Currently solar power and wind power are becoming extremely popular all over the world due to the costs of installation being so low and how effective home made energy is.
Residential Wind Power is capable of providing results that will have your full satisfaction and it offers the possibility to easily save up to 75% off your electricity bill. In some cases you are able to save 100% on your electricity bill, and sell the excess to the power company. It is possible to generate enough required energy needed with just a wind power system but this can also be shared with a solar energy system for even better results. The wind power system would be the better option if you live in an area with windy conditions. A solar power system will work best in sunny conditions however this could differ depending on geographical location. Sometimes the season will not matter especially if you are located close to the equator, here you are able to take advantage of the sun all year round. Other areas like in U.S in Mount Washington are known for a consistency of windy weather. If both the sun and wind are plentiful in your area, you could benefit from the combined power of the two. Assessing the overall metrological conditions of the area where you reside is a good way of determining which resource would be the most suitable.
It is not a difficult task to build a home wind power generator. Any DIY enthusiast is capable of assembling a wind generator – especially with the motivation and dedication behind you to really to steer you in the right direction to conquer this project you would need a step-by-step guide. This type of guide will guide you through the process in a comprehensive manner. The most suitable guide to help will provide details of materials and equipment you may need and step by step instructions, the procedures, and all technical aspects. Once you have the manual you will also need to get your hands on some basic power and tools.
The size of your wind power generator or wind turbine will depend mostly on the individual power requirements of your home. For example, 2000 watts and higher, then a larger wind power generator would be your best choice. But if your requirements are around 700 to 2000 watts of power then a smaller wind turbine or wind generator would be plenty.
If you are thinking about home wind power the most commonly used are the smaller generators rather than the massive industrial type. A larger generator becomes a lot more complex to build and install rather than a smaller one. However this would also depend on how much space you have and on your budget, there is nothing to specify that this couldn’t be achieved at home. If you are looking at building or installing a wind power generator and only have a small amount of space, then it’s advisable to go smaller, at least for the first time.
It’s important with whichever size of wind turbine you choose to go with, that it is constructed properly and that it maintains a strong foundation. For a wind turbine to give great results consider the height as better winds are captured at higher altitudes. A good turbine will guarantee a constant supply of electricity, regardless of the intensity of the wind.
Read the rest of this entry »
March 6th, 2010 | Posted in Energy Use, General, Homemade | Comments Off
