Building A Wind Turbine
Small Wind Turbines
Small wind turbines are not just projects for enthusiasts, but are a real possibility for the home owner to generate their own electrical energy with the possibility of surplus power to sell back to the utility company.
Learning how to build a wind turbine is not overly complicated. The options range from purchasing a kit that just needs assembling, to starting from scratch and constructing the tower, generator and even carving the windmill blade from suitable wood. (Though machine made blades will likely be a better solution)
Do Your Research First
Before you begin to choose what type of construction you would like, a little investigation into the wind potential for the site is a good idea. Where on your property is the best location for your tower and turbine? Wind atlas details are available online, and you can also monitor the prevailing winds using a small wind meter over a period of months. This will give you all the information needed to decide where a windmill could be located.
Before selecting the power generation capacity and making the decision to build wind turbine, an eco-audit of the entire home’s energy usage may show that savings can be made that reduce demand substantially reducing the amount you require.
Components
The basic parts needed to build a wind turbine include the structure to support the generator, (or a strong enough roof), the windmill blade assembly and connection to the generator, the tail assembly to keep the unit facing into the prevailing wind, and electrical hookup for connecting to your panel.
This becomes an assembly project that the whole family can get involved in. Many hands are a good help when it comes to putting it all together.
Where to Start?
It may only take a matter of days to build a wind turbine. Once all the parts are together, limited knowledge of electrical circuitry will suffice to get it properly connected. However, if the unit is to be designed to return any surplus to the grid, more sophisticated charge controllers and qualified licensed electrical contractors will be required.
The energy produced will need to be stored in a battery for slow release when the wind slows. These batteries can pose environmental issues when it comes to their disposal. One of the plusses of the growing demand for wind power is that battery technology is also improving.
Learning how to build a wind turbine is not just about putting up a striking piece of outdoor sculpture and watching the utility bill drop. A wind turbine is desirable energy solution for the homeowner and good for the environment, and wind powered electrical generation is an efficient solution for home energy needs.
Efficiency
Modern wind generators are exceptionally efficient, and one of the most exciting power sources for the future. Building a wind turbine will provide an inexpensive source of power providing the homeowner with an ample supply, and with little or no maintenance needed for some time.
Learning how to build a wind turbine is for most people a steep learning curve. New cutting edge technology is making huge advances in supplying power to the home.