Freqently Asked Questions – Regarding Wind Turbines

This Information can also be found on my website Energy Resource Network energyresourcenetwork.com (BHG) FAQ.  I hope it answers your questions, as it has helped me understand in more detail how Wind Turbines work and the differences in the products. 

FAQ

How do the micro turbines compare to the large turbines I see alongside the highways?

The single comparison is that they both harness wind energy. After that, they are as different as night and day. The towering turbines are a huge investment and subject to countless regulations. The necessary land and the 10 to 20 year payback of investment is not an option for most people. The micro turbines are a small, scaleable, mobile, power generation system with a small upfront investment.

Where should I install the turbines?

The conventional wisdom says as high as practical. The best winds are well above a building or tree line. Placement will be a function unique to each property or location. Micro turbines are designed to capture wind energy at elevations much lower than wind towers, so there is no need to climb to heights not reachable with a step ladder. Micro turbines can be moved and carried easily to locate the best winds on your site.

How noisy are the turbines?

Anything moving or spinning will create some vibration. Designed to reduce the noise associated with vibration, each micro turbine rotates on two sets of ball bearings. If you are located nearby during periods of high wind, you will hear the vibration as the turbines take the energy from those winds.

Why Micro Wind Turbines?

With most things mechanical, ongoing maintenance costs are often more daunting than the original purchase price. Not so with micro wind turbines. Our clients not only enjoy an affordable wind-energy system, but the maintenance free materials from which they’re made means the savings continue. There are no service contracts because the homeowner can keep the equipment in “like new” condition indefinitely.

Which turbine system should I consider?

First, determine what appliance(s) you would like to power. Some appliances run on DC as well as AC. All have different load requirements.

Second, determine the load requirement for those appliances. Add the watt and amp requirements. (If you invest in a Kill-A-Meter, for around $25.00, you can plug in your appliances and the meter will give total watts and amps used while it is running and while it is at idle, but still drawing power.)

For instance, if you determine the requirement for your appliance, pump, lights and computer equals 600 watts, you would need at least a 600 watt inverter. Each Micro Wind generator, with good wind, will produce 1.2-1.5 amps at 12-100 volts. Average wind will produce an average of between 30-60 volts. Two 12 volt, 100 amp batteries should do well for storing the power necessary, depending on how many hours you intend to use that power during the course of the day.

Two turbine systems will recharge batteries at between 2.4 and 3 amps per hour. Four sets will produce between 4.8 and 6 amps per hour. The formula is amps times volts equals watts. (A x V = W)

Some low power DC lighting and appliances may be run directly from the generator or battery without an inverter. Theoretically, you could run DC lighting, and with an inverter, run AC appliances at the same time.

All of this means; determine load requirements and then build a power system large enough to handle the load.

We can help design larger systems with “change over” equipment, inverters, charge controllers, etc; contact us directly for more information.

Other considerations for Micro Wind Turbines.

• An emergency electrical back-up system: With a micro wind turbine set, a battery, some wiring and an inverter, keep your refrigerator running, keep lights on or power up a sump pump until grid power has been restored.
• Remote camping, RV or cabin in the woods: The turbines are a perfect fit for boon docking. A little extra planning will make your backcountry experience seem like a walk in the park. Bring an inverter and run small appliances, charge cell phones, even run your laptop from the main camp. Stay longer too!
• Put a power station on your boat dock: Operate your boat lift. Keep your bait fresh. Top off the batteries for your trolling motor. Just like remote camping, you’ll have DC and AC right where you need it, all thanks to the wind.