Wind turbines

[SgtMaj]

Re: Wind turbines

We live too far from the state capitol to have a dependable supply of hot wind.

That cracked me up, thanks.

 

[JCF350]

Re: Wind turbines

I think I live in one of those places... not too far from me is a wind farm... well half an hour drive... but still... it stays decently breezy here anyway. Was going to build it myself to keep the costs low. copper wire for the coils will be the most expensive part, can get the propellors for $20 ea... the magnets for $4 ea... the rest is mostly going to just be pvc pipe... and of course I'll need a couple of wheel bearings to keep it turning smoothly.

Pretty decent read. Check out the MK II version also.
http://www.smallwind.co.uk/completed/flying.php

 

[dave11]

Re: Wind turbines

The first thing I would do is a feasibility study. Do you really have enough wind to generate much energy?

If you do, a simple thing to do is to run it in parallel into a battery bank. Run a resistance circuit into a water tank. It will act as a heat sink. In the winter it can help to heat the house. You can also use it as a preheater for your hot water tank.

You are probably not going to generate enough energy to sell to the power company with that system, but you can realistically cut your energy bill a little. Besides, it will be fun to set it up. Be sure to put some kind of meter on it to see how much you are generating, a Floscan for the house. Keep us informed. Inquiring minds want to know.

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: Wind turbines

Pretty decent read. Check out the MK II version also.
http://www.smallwind.co.uk/completed/flying.php

GREAT read!!!! MANY THANKS!!!

before reading that, I was planning on using a PVC rotor... now I know better, and that was just what I learned from page one... Oh, and he get's 300 watts from a good gust of wind from that little thing? Now I have real hope between the 3 of mine of actually generating something.

I will have to keep reading on that site.... added to my favorites today.

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: Wind turbines

The first thing I would do is a feasibility study. Do you really have enough wind to generate much energy?

If you do, a simple thing to do is to run it in parallel into a battery bank. Run a resistance circuit into a water tank. It will act as a heat sink. In the winter it can help to heat the house. You can also use it as a preheater for your hot water tank.

You are probably not going to generate enough energy to sell to the power company with that system, but you can realistically cut your energy bill a little. Besides, it will be fun to set it up. Be sure to put some kind of meter on it to see how much you are generating, a Floscan for the house. Keep us informed. Inquiring minds want to know.

I'm quite certain I have enough wind... even the wind data for my area shows that I should have an extra mph over what's required, and the location I have picked out should be at least that good.

Great idea on the water pre-heater... there are some of those instant water heaters that I could buy and add to the line going into the water heater that I could wire to these... it wouldn't always heat the water... only when I was running hot water while the wind was blowing, but it would do something without the cost of the whole battery system necessary to supply constant power... though I think an inverter would still be necessary for those... might just take your idea and stick coils in a pipe running the the hot water tank. Who knows though.. I might do something completely different with the power, we'll have to see when the time comes... will be a few months before I do this though... gonna finish some rain barrels for the veggie garden first... and I'm stoked to start that project because I just snagged my two barels for FREE!!! Yaay. Will start and maybe even finish that project this weekend.

 

[tomatolord]

Re: Wind turbines

www.windterra.com

they have a wind system that generates power at 10mph wind speed and are desgined to be mounted to a roof.

you have to be carefull about 2 things

that high wind speeds that tear up the unit and that it operates at low wind speed.

The issue with windmills are that they do 2 things.

1 generate power when you do not need it - like at night

2 sometimes do not work at all.

For homeowners - the utility company will not "buy" your electricity, just call them and ask them, they will strongly suggest you just run your meter backwards.

The payback on these systems depends on 2 things

cost of electricity in your area
average wind speed.

tomatolord