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Demonstration of a bike generator using an exercise bike, automotive alternator, 10 “AA” batteries, and a 375 Watt 12VDC to 120VDC inverter. A bank of 60 Watt incandescent and 14 Watt CFL light bulbs are lit to demonstrate energy efficiency.
Using Wind Turbines to Power Your Home
The first thing to look at, before you ever consider converting to wind power, is the area where you live. A windmill solution obviously requires wind. More specifically you want wind speeds that exceed 8MPH on average. Even 8MPH is considered a low-wind-speed area for wind turbines. 12MPH average is ideal.
To start, take the time to look at the wind speed charts that fit your area:
If You Live in the USA: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/online/ccd/wndspd.txt
If You Live in Canada: http://www.wunderground.com/global/Region/CN/WindSpeed.html
If You Live in the UK or Europe: http://www.xcweather.co.uk
If you live in Australia: http://www.wunderground.com/global/Region/AU/WindSpeed.html
Assuming that the average wind speed in your area is above 8MPH, then continue on to the other considerations listed below. If you don’t live in a suitable area, then you should consider a solar power conversion instead.
Convert Your Home Today:
Wind Turbine Considerations
Once you’ve determined that wind power is suitable for your area there are a few other things you need to consider. Really this is just about asking some questions and then answering them. Taking the time to do so will ensure you choose a wind power system that fits. Especially if you are planning to live off the grid, you should take the time to answer these questions before you start.
Your Power Needs
The first thing that needs to be considered is your power needs. Are you simply looking to reduce your power bill with a single small windmill? Or, will you want to power your entire home?
If you’re looking to power your whole home, you should take the time to calculate your actual power requirements. If you take the time to download Earth 4 Energy, their guide comes with a calculator and instructions on how to do this (you’ll need this guide anyway).
Storing Power from Wind Turbines
From the answer to your first question you then need to consider building a storage system for your wind turbine. A simple array of batteries can be designed to store as little or as much power as needed.
If you’re only building a small wind power solution to reduce your power bills then this is likely less of a concern.
On the other hand if you’re looking to live off the grid, you will need to consider energy storage. You should use your calculation for your power needs to design this part of your system. Take into consideration how much power you will need to store and for how long.
If you have weeks where there is less wind than usual, ensure that you have a large enough battery array to compensate (or better yet work to reduce you energy needs by using high efficiency bulbs and appliances).
Having a Backup Plan
Finally, for those who plan to live entirely off the grid, you should consider your backup plan. For most of us consistent power is a requirement. Ensure that you design your wind turbine solution with a backup plan. Generally a small gas generator is enough to ensure you have power if something goes wrong.
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John Estes
Retired from the computer industry, loving every minute of my online market experience, live in Brazil teaching English on the side.
When building a homemade power solution that includes a domestic wind turbine there are basically two major area’s of essential knowledge required. The first is understanding energy yield and energy consumption of your preferred domestic wind turbine. The second is choosing which type of turbine wind generator best suites your needs and situation.
Understanding Energy Yield and Energy Consumption
A simple way of putting things is
An average modern homes requires 4,500kWh. per year.
A domestic wind turbine with a 5 meter rotor diameter provides 4000 – 4,500 kWh, per year in good wind conditions.
A domestic wind turbine with a 2 meter rotor diameter provides 500 kWh, per year in good wind conditions.
Which type of Turbine Wind Generator? Lets begin with a quick overview of the different types of turbine wind generators available and some of the pros and cons with each.
Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWT)
These are far and away the most common type of domestic wind turbines. HAWT’s also have a long history, being the principle behind the famous Dutch Windmills.
Advantages: An obvious key advantage is that they are easily available. In addition the blades of HAWT’s can be changed in pitch so as to more fully catch the wind. Secondly they are easily mounted on high towers which maximizes their access to wind shear. Lastly HAWT’s have had the most research and development backing and use in the field. In simple terms at the low end they are easy to build and at the high end there is some pretty complex wind turbine management systems build in.
Disadvantages: HAWT’s don’t operate well at ground level. All other disadvantage relate to large installation HAWT’s – such as difficulty with installation of the towers, signal clutter if installed near radar installations, and cost of shipping and the tower system. We recommend micro-HAWT for domestic wind turbines installations. The micro-HAWT is easy to build and install. You can find more information on how easy it is to install these turbine wind generators here.
Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWT)
There are a few subcategories of (VAWT)’s.
They are:
Darrieus (or eggbeater) wind turbine
Giromill
Savonius wind turbine
“H” vertical wind turbine
Although many would argue long and hard about the various merits of each design (and they have!) fundamentally the advantages of VAWT’s are the same regardless of design.
Advantages: They can be built on the ground making installation and maintenance easier, they generate power at a lower RPM rate than HAWT’s , they integrate better into an urban environment and some claim they are quieter and easier for birds to avoid.
Disadvantages: They generally produce power at 50% of the efficiency of HAWT’s. A great deal more stress is placed on the tower structure reducing reliability and maintenance costs can be high. This is due to the whole structure being under it’s own weight, so to change a component at the bottom of the structure may require you to dismantle almost all of it.
Large vs Small Turbine Wind Generators
Both HAWT’s and VAWT’s com in large configurations. A very simple way of understanding the whole argument regarding large and small turbine wind generators is to simple say “The larger they are the more efficiently they generate electricity but the less flexible they are to manage.”. Almost all of advantages and disadvantages related to the size of a wind turbine fall into this area. Since we have already summed up our view on them, here are a few advantages and disadvantages that don’t fall under the above mentioned umbrella.
Advantages & Disadvantages: Large wind turbines have been blames for bird deaths, they cost much more to build and require much more approval than micro-wind. They are also much more noticeable in the immediate environment. Small turbines are have more moving parts and are less efficient. However they are easy and cost effective to build at home and are more flexible. They will also generate electriciy at much lower wind speeds which is vital in urban area’s.
Building Integrated Wind Turbines.
Lastly a word on a recent innovation on integrating wind turbines. New plans are underway for the Bahrain World Trade Center to include wind turbines in its superstructure. These turbines will provide 11-15% of the buildings needs.
So if you build a new home in future, considering engaging an architect who can offer integrated wind turbines. Like with all alternative energy solutions, look into the return on investment (ROI). Will these integrated wind turbines pay for themselves in energy savings…? Will it take 2 years or 10?
However for advice on how easy it is to get started bulding your own domestic wind turbines you can find a homemade power solution here.
In Conclusion. Turbine wind generators come in many variations, with many advantages and disadvantages for each. The fact that domestic wind turbines are overwhelmingly HAWT configurations suggests they must be working. However a wind only approach to homemade electricity generation is not an effective strategy. Any attempt at energy independence must include multiple energy sources. The most common are solar and wind. You can find excellent information on building and running your own homemade power solution here.
Hi, my friends sometimes call me solar Sean because I am so into sustainable energy. Wind turbines and solar panels are so cheap and easy to make but not everyone can find the information that is best for them.
Hopefully the information in my articles provide some help and enables other people interested in sustainable energy to find the information that is right for them.
How do I use solar panels for energy?Learn about saving energy in your home with natural or solar power in this free video. Expert: Peter Bonenberger Contact: www.keepearthbeautiful.org Bio: Peter Bonenberger and his wife founded a non-profit organization called the Bear Springs Blossom Nature Conservation. They have members from all over the country and Europe as well. Filmmaker: Mark Sullivan
As a renewable energy source, wind power is safe and cost-efficient. More and more people are being enticed to try out devices that utilize this type of energy for home energy purposes. In fact, some commercial wind generators are available in the market nowadays. However, these pre-made energy-producing devices are not suitable for common households for its extravagant cost that makes it less accessible to those who are needy. The best way on how normal homeowners can take advantage of this free source of energy is to build one for their home.
Constructing a windmill for home energy use may cost you less than $100 and even cheaper depending on the materials used. The parts you need to build your own wind generator include the tower, propeller blades, motor, tail and body assembly, rotor, hardware and wiring and backup battery. The wind generator works by converting the power of the wind from the turning blades to usable electricity. As the rotor of the wind turbine rotates, the device produces electrical energy. The kinetic energy the turbines can generate is the main source of energy that the device can produce. Since only the wind is needed to create electricity, this mechanism can effectively produce home energy at minimal cost.
Building a wind generator on your home is one of the best investments you add to your home. There are significant reasons why you should really be convinced to use this alternative energy resource. One of the major reasons is that a wind generator can effectively reduce the cost of your energy expenses. Based on researches of the efficiency of these wind turbines, it can cut more than 80 percent of your electricity bill. You may also take advantage of the privileges given to households utilizing environmentally safe energy for their homes.
Homemade wind generators can even give you financial gain by selling the excess energy produced to the local energy provider. Most local organizations promote this type of energy saving devices in order to help in the campaign for pollution reduction. Aside from helping the environmentalists for their cause, installing a windmill on your home can add significant design as well as functionality to your property. As an effect, the value of your home can greatly increase with the presence of a wind generator.
You can easily acquire the benefits of having a wind generator on your home within just a couple of weekends of working out on the project. The materials to be used on this homemade project are cost effective and highly available on your local hardware outlet. However, there are some factors to be considered when it comes to setting up an effective wind generator device. The wind speed within the area to where you would install the wind turbines should be at least five to seven miles per hour. Sufficient space and height on your house are also some of the important requirements you need to consider for your wind generator device.
If you are interested in using wind power to produced electricity,click here to learn more.
To beautify the front of your home and enhance your landscape, why not use the magical benefits of wind chimes? They come in a variety of colors, shapes, sizes, and price ranges, and are sure to be the perfect compliment, regardless of exterior design.
Small nondescript houses are especially flattered by such yard features as trellises, decorative mailboxes, birdhouses, and wind chime designs that add a distinct country home décor charm.
Outdoor southwest décor can be enhanced by a more natural looking landscape, one harmonious with the eco-system. Use large wooden tubs of ornamental cactus or interesting semi-succulent flora, strategically placed in a section of the yard made up of ornamental stones, bark chips, or native ground cover.
Areas within the garden and along the perimeter can be planted with tufts of ornamental grasses. Drifts of native plants that flower at different times of the year will add color and give balance to the landscape design.
A stone or cement bird bath, garden bench, and perfectly tuned wind chimes suspended from the branch of a tree not only make the yard look more appealing, but more inviting as well. Hear the haunting “vocals” tapped from each pipe as the wind passes by, and enjoy the tranquil setting where harmony kisses the sun.
This type landscape design is not only unique and attractive, but low-maintenance; an added bonus that busy homeowners will surely appreciate.
Wind chimes can be used as an enhancement and to create a certain mood or compliment design in a variety of ways. A set of small diameter pipe wind chimes suspended from an elaborate hanger by the front door can replace a doorbell or door knocker during mild weather months. A small polished brass plaque beside it could announce a formal “Ring for service,” or a more playful, “Ring my chimes.”
Such an arrangement could enhance an otherwise plain porch. A natural wood or painted lattice or fan trellis, embraced by flowering vines, could complete the quaint scene. If positioning of the porch allows, place the trellis on the north end to reduce force of air current. That way, when the chimes “sing” you know you have a visitor.
Use decorating ideas that compliment the front of your yard, beautifying what you have to work with, instead of competing against it. Finely tuned wind chimes are a sure way to add a relaxing note; complimentary, therapeutic, and feng shui enhancing.
Stephen Betzen is a loving husband/supporter/and friend to his wife Rachel Betzen. Rachel and Stephen are dedicated to socially and ethically responsible business. Lovers of gardening and simple living. They operate an online wind chimes store
As fuel prices continue to rise, so do our utility expenses. The cost to maintain the necessity called electricity is escalating by the hour, and more and more people are looking for suitable alternatives to conventional energy. Renewable energy stands out as the most suitable alternative, with wind power being the most popular and rapidly growing option. Apart from standing out in abilities, wind power energy stands out in its cost-effectiveness and savings potential.
Between 2000 and now, wind energy output has increased by 4 times. Wind power is becoming increasingly popular because it is clean, renewable, easier and cheaper to access than other forms of renewable energy. Wind turbines have been surfacing all over the world as more and more people are installing do-it-yourself wind turbines and taking themselves off the grid. Imagine the considerable savings when compared to getting a commercially installed renewable energy system!
Although wind energy accounts for only about 1% of the world’s alternative energy use, some countries have taken bigger steps. Denmark uses wind turbines for 19% of its electricity production, Spain and Portugal use 9% and Germany and Ireland use 6% each. As more people begin using wind turbines and the technology develops, the cost of acquiring wind turbines is steadily decreasing. That is great news for anyone looking to save by using alternative energy.
Your electricity bill can be cut in half immediately by installing a single wind turbine to generate half of your energy needs. The quantity of electrical power that you need determines which type and size turbine you will need. For even greater savings, you can actually build your own wind power generator from standard auto parts. Are you getting excited now?
A homemade wind turbine can be mounted on your roof or on a free standing tower, which can be made from concrete. Your property can contain as many as you want or need, as long as you have the space. In fact, several homemade wind turbines can cost less than one commercial turbine. If you can build a few wind turbines with 5 to 10 foot blades, you can surely power your entire household!
Apart from savings on utility bills and installation of a cost and maintenance free solution, you can also save money by selling energy to the utility company. In many states, any excess energy produced by your wind power system can be sold back to your utility company, making your payments to them next to zero. There are also government tax breaks available for qualified persons who switch to alternative power sources.
If you were not sure before, you must be sure now. Wind power energy is the way to go. This is the best source of alternative energy that will help protect the environment and guarantee you a lifetime of savings.
To learn more about wind turbine electricity please visit: http://www.RenewableEnergyForUs.com
Frequently Asked Questions When Considering Using Wind Power for your Home
Due to the high cost of utility usage today coupled with the concerns of our environment by energy waste and pollution, many people around the world are taking a closer look into renewable energy solutions. One of the most popular topics on renewable energy solutions is wind power. Wind is an energy source that is free and constant and will never run out. Ways to harness this power for good use have been implemented down the time. With more efficient technology, one is able to harness all the free wind energy one would need and then some.
The #1 Question:
· How much does it cost? Is all the equipment of a windmill expensive?
With patience, one could pick up all materials needed and build one for less than $200.00. Some of the materials can even be found for free.
· How difficult is it to build?
Today? Not very difficult at all with all the homemade wind generator resources out there. Find a set of plans that are easy, step by step instructions. Make sure there are plenty of diagrams and pictures. And make sure you can understand it. Terminology in layman’s terms obviously is the best. With all the proper pieces, your wind generator can be built in less than a day.
· How much wind is needed?
Very light winds between 5-15 mph. There is a cut in range, when the blades are beginning to produce power and a survival range, the max wind speed it can handle before the blades “fly off the handle”
· How much space do I need?
Wind generators that are homemade take up a small footprint. Using an old homeowners radio tower or TV antenna, many times these items are unnoticeable being now immune to our eyes as part of the landscape. If you are storing electricity in batteries, you will need the space of a small trunk to more if your windmill is larger.
· How do I save money?
Obviously, the less power you have to buy from your local power company, the more you will save.
· Can I make money by going to a wind generator?
Yes, if you live in a location that offers to buy your excess power. This is called net metering. Check with your local power company to see if they offer incentives such as net metering, credits or rebate programs.
· Is it safe?
Energy in any form is inherently dangerous. Just as with any industry, there are hazards for those who work with wind energy, dealing with high winds, heights, and moving machinery such as the spinning of the wind turbine rotor. The damage caused by wind energy is evidenced everywhere. When wind kills, it is well known. Building your own wind generator is safe as long as you put safety 1st.
For recommended plans, manuals, instructions, eBooks or more information, please visit us here
The United States produces 6 billion metric tons of CO2 annually. Yes that is Billion! Forty percent of carbondioxide (CO2) generated in the US comes from the generation of electricity. We are certainly not the only offender, but we are one of, if not the largest, contributor to the greenhouse gas problem.
The accumulation of greenhouse gasses is causing the earth to warm, reducing the size of ice deposits in the Arctic, Antartica, and Greenland. this has aready caused severe problems for small Pacific Island nations and threatens costal areas all over the world. The reduction of CO2 emissions is critical and needs to start with the production of electricity.
The Advantages of Green Energy seem obvious:
- Green energy is clean and can slow the effects of global warming by reducing CO2 emissions.
- Green energy is renewable unlike the natural gas and coal that are our primary sources now.
- It requires less maintenance that conventional equipment. Although the initial investment may be high, the long term savings would be significant.
- It can provide economic benefits to certain areas. For example, the leasing of land for wind farms could provide economic relief to many rural areas.
There are a few disadvantages that critics can point to.
- we have no control over the weather. The wind must blow and the sun must shine to use wind and solar technologies.
- The type of green energy used is to some degree determined by the geographic location, particularly for energies such as hydrothermal or geothermal.
- Some have even objected on aesthetic grounds, objecting to the site of a wind farm off shore.
It seems to me that the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. According to the Dept of Energy, if we increase the percentage of electricity produced by wind to 20% by 2030, we can reduce CO2 emissions of the electric sector by 25%. This is equivalent to taking an estimated 140 million vehicles off of the road.
We don’t really have a choice. If we don’t take action now, there will be a time when it will be too late.
Susan Ozmore
Learn how to go green on a budget
http://www.gogreendyi.com
With a basic wind power design, you should be able to produce sufficient power for running all of your domestic electrical components. When you use your personal wind power, you will be able to start saving your earnings as well as the environment side by side. Nowadays you can find websites that provide plans to design and construct a wind mill that is simple with basic supplies from most hardware stores. Some supplies may have to be purchased from an electric supply shop, but these things are typically found without much difficulty.
Generating Your Own Wind Power Can Help You Benefit By Saving Quite A Bit Of Money
Keeping in mind that most people pay nothing less than $150 monthly on electrical power, this totals up to a little short of 50,000 dollars in about twenty five years. When you capitalize on wind power, you will offset the cost of the construction of the wind mill. Take into consideration the lessening of carbon levels if every single person exploited wind power for homes as well as for their offices. Even if only twenty three people built and used a wind turbine, the combined savings could potentially reach way more than one million dollars in 25 years.
Opting For A Wind Generator at Home Provides You With Free Power
Once you pay for your wind power construction details and all the other necessities, you are finished with paying for power every month. There are no mandatory fees, no grid to hook up too and the most exciting news is that there is no power company that is waiting to collect any kind of fees. Just about the only charges that you will need to bear would be towards occasional repairs and regular maintenance as your turbine ages.
Which Wind Power Design Is The Best?
The vast range of wind power designs that are available can be intimidating for most individuals. However, you are sure to soon see basically there are just 2 types wind mills or wind turbines, as they are widely known as. What you will get are large turbines that produce an average of 2000 watts or smaller sized ones that generate 700-1000 watts on average. The size of the turbine’s rotor and average wind speed will have an effect on how much power you would be able to produce.
What are the Alternatives that those Skilled Experts Suggest?
Most wind turbine pros will suggest that take it easy when starting out and then take off from there as you get more familiar with it. There is lots of manual work that is expected assembling a wind turbine at home. You can start small and use your first project to provide power to another building such as a garden shed. If your pilot project thrives, you could then consider building a turbine that is more complex that can power up a larger space.
You Certainly Do Not Have to Be a Specialist
Wind turbine construction will involve the use of a few basic tools, including a metal cutter. In addition you should have a little familiarity with electrical wiring and components. Most plans related to wind power will come with explicit instructions and diagrams. When in doubt, go ahead and get the opinion of a specialist when you get to the intricate parts of the project.
Wind power is among the most environmentally friendly ways of generating power. Look for a simple wind power design over the internet today and you can start conserving energy in no time.