Wind power technology

Wind turbines generate electricity by converting mechanical energy from the wind into electrical energy. While this method of wind energy harvesting has been ...

Wind. Not all regions of the Earth are equally exposed to the Sun’s rays (heated). We can assume that on average the regions around equator at 0° latitude receive the most heat. Therefore, the hot air around equator is lighter than cold air and will rise into the sky until it reaches 6 miles altitude, and move toward north and south. This moving of wind from equatorial regions of the globe toward the poles forms global-scale, wind changes.

Wind Energy Harvesting. The two most important parameters for wind energy harvesting are the surface area of the blades (the diameter of the blade) and wind speed. Blades play a primary role in capturing wind energy. Blades are used to capture the mechanical energy of the wind, so a longer blade means a larger swept area. Resulting in a greater amount of harvested energy (energy increases with square of rotor diameter).

Another parameter, wind speed, gives us the total amount of energy the wind posseses for certain wind speed. Increased wind speed results in more harvested wind energy. Actually wind energy increases with cube of wind speed. Check wind speed at your location…

Clean Energy. Because it does not create pollution, produce green gasses, or emit toxic waste, wind turbine technologies are clean and renewable. Wind energy is sustainable and reliable for long-term.

How Wind Turbine works. A wind turbine consists of 3 main parts: a rotor (2-6 blades), an electrical generator and a tower. Blades (rotor) capture the mechanical energy of the wind. The rotor, attached to the shaft of electrical generator, is affixed to the tower at a height of at least 30-40 feet from ground level. When wind is blowing (linear mechanical energy), it causes the blades to spin (mechanical rotation energy). Blades are firmly attached to the shaft of the electric generator, so rotational energy is transfered through the shaft to the electric generator. The wind generator converts rotational mechanical energy of the shaft into usable electrical energy. That electricity is transferred to a load/battery by cables which are inside the tower.

Choosing Wind Turbine Site. The best site to put a wind system is one that has highest values of wind speed. The higher the wind speed – the more energy produced in a generator. Turbines should be placed in the area without any obstacle (forest, building, or hills). These are refered to as “wind shade”. Obstacles create turbulence which affects efficiency of the wind turbine. The higher the tower placement decreases the likelihood of the effects of turbulence. In addition, wind speed increases at higher altitudes.

Stand Alone and Grid Tied Wind Systems. Wind systems are very good solutions for remote areas where there is no grid (farms and rural areas). The electrical energy produced from wind generator can be stored in the battery storage system and be used later when needed - Stand Alone Systems. The DC (direct current) electricity generated from wind turbine can be stored directly into the battery, which is also DC source of electricity. If the wind turbine is connected to the grid, via the inverter which converts DC into AC electricity, the electrical energy harvested from the wind can be pumped to the grid. In most of U.S., electrical utilities support a Net-metering program, which allows alternate energy users to pump back electricity to the grid and be paid retail electricity price for each kWh generated. Regulations which differ from state to state.

Benefit of Wind Systems. The greatest benefit of wind turbines is that they provide clean renewable energy out of the cost- free wind. Large wind farms, consisting of dozens of wind turbines, can supply enough electricity for communities. Small wind turbines can provide enough electricity for households and commercial buildings. As technology improves turbines’ efficiency in extracting energy from the wind, they become less expensive. Using the more reliable electricity created by wind turbines allows for more independence from the ever increasing electrical utility prices. In addition, in an era of global warming, wind turbines make the user carbon neutral, allowing for carbon offsetting.