Factors to consider in wind power generation

I live in an area where the wind blows a lot of the time ans so decided to invest in a wind generator. Which wind generator should I buy and how do I install it.

Wind power is not as well developed as solar. This is mainly due to cost as the cost of a quality wind turbine is about $3000. However in a high wind area this is turbine will produce more power and it's equivalent cost in solar panels.

Types of wind generators

Horizontal axis - These are the most common. They could be generating upwind as in picture or downwind where the tail boom is absent. More expensive generators use sensors to help point the turbine to the wind.





Vertical axis - Not so common and possible more expensive for comparable power output.






While the design looks simple enough ie a propellor and a motor, the technical and design details that go towards making a good wind generator is very complex indeed.

First the motor : It is not true that you can just take and electric motor and spin it in reverse to produce energy. If existing motors are used, they are usually taken apart and rewound. The type of winding also determine the motor's efficiency. Usually brushless motors are chosen as these will require less maintenance.

Second the propellors : This is an art in itself. The propellors convert the energy in the wind to a rotating motion. It is not just a case of any propellr will do. Type of materials used in the construction and design are very important. In design there is also the trade off for low wind speed and high wind speed performance. The number of blades used is also important.

Third the ruggedness : In high winds the turbine can spin itself to destrucction. Some turbine turn away from the wind some introduce braking systems while the Aerotek RB series have self dampening built into the design of the propellors.

The amount of energy that can be extracted from the wind is a function of the area exposed to the wind. The longer the blades the larger the area. The main disadvantage of a vertical axis turbine is that the surface area exposed to the wind is small another problem is that while one side is working with the wind the other side is working against it. The advantage is that it does not have to be pointed into the wind.

The motors used are also single phase or three phase. Three phase motors are smaller and lighter for the same output.

Much more need to be considered including the controllers.