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Item# 458001
Item# 336614
Item# 336608
Item# 45585
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How does a wind turbine work?
As far back as 4000 years ago, the Babylonians and Chinese used wind power to pump water for crop irrigation. Obviously, technology has changed since then, but the wind power process is still the same. Most wind turbines are mounted on a tower at least 100 feet (30 meters) or more above the ground. In this way, the turbine can capture the faster, less turbulent winds. The power of the wind turns the turbine blades, which spin the shaft, which connect to a generator, which makes electricity. The electricity produced can provide power for a single home or outbuilding, or can connect to an electricity grid and be sold to a utility company for wider distribution.
Are there different types of wind turbines?
There are several types of wind turbines:
Vertical-axis wind turbine—The main rotor shaft is arranged vertically, enabling the turbine to capture the energy of the wind without pointing directly into it. This works to the advantage of those who live in areas where the wind direction constantly fluctuates.
Horizontal-axis wind turbine—These turbines have two to three blades and operate by facing the unit into the wind. An attached wind vane measures wind direction, enabling the turbine to best position itself to capture the wind.
Wind turbines are also available in several different sizes:
Single, small turbines—These units are meant for individual use for homes, telecommunications dishes, water pumping or in remote areas where a grid connection is lacking. They can be coupled with batteries, solar power systems, or fuel systems to create a hybrid system.
Utility-scale turbines—Typically, these large units (from 100 kilowatts to several megawatts) are combined with other large units to form a wind farm, providing bulk power to the electrical grid.
What are the benefits of wind power?
Affordable—Wind power is one of the most cost-effective energy resources available, costing just 4-6 cents per kilowatt hour. Additionally, wind power can help homeowners reduce or even eliminate utility bills entirely.
Renewable—Unlike fossil fuels, the wind is free and its supply can never be depleted, nor is it exclusive to any one region of the world, so it’s not subject to shortages, embargos, or price increases. It is a completely renewable form of solar energy created by the sun heating the atmosphere in combination with the earth’s rotation and surface irregularities.
Eco-friendly—Wind power is a clean resource, creating no waste and no green house gases. What’s more, the more wind power used, the less fossil fuels will be consumed, keeping toxic byproducts created by those fuels from entering the atmosphere.
Economically stimulating—Because the best sites for erecting wind farms are in rural areas, wind turbines can benefit local economies. Unlike drilling or mining, the land surrounding a wind farm can still be used for agricultural purposes, allowing farmers to lease land to utility companies while continuing to farm their land.
Tax Incentives and Rebates—If connected to a grid, wind power system owners may be eligible for a tax credit for the electricity sold back to the utility company. In addition, some states offer rebates or other incentives to help offset the cost of purchasing and installing wind systems. For more information go to Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (http://www.dsireusa.org/)
What will I need to generate my own wind power system?
Whether you’re installing a stand-alone system or a hybrid system for your home, or connecting a system to a grid (an electricity transmission and distribution system) you will need quality equipment.
Wind turbine—The wind turbine is the core of your system. Your energy needs will determine the annual energy output you’ll require and the size of your turbine. Using this information, wind turbine manufacturers and retailers can help you decide which wind turbine is for you, while also factoring in local wind speeds and your specific energy budget.
Tower—Though you can choose either a self-supporting (free standing) or guyed tower for mounting your wind turbine, most home wind power systems use the second option. Guyed towers can be hinged at the base, making it easier to lower to the ground for repairs and maintenance, or to avoid damage during hazardous weather. Towers should be installed high enough so that the bottom of the rotor blade is at least 30 feet (9 meters) above any obstacle that is within 300 feet (90 meters) of the tower.
Batteries—For a stand-alone system, you will need batteries to store excess power for use when the wind is calm. Deep-cycle batteries are preferable, because they can discharge and recharge many times.
Controller—A charge controller will prevent batteries from overcharging, thus extending battery life and performance.
Power Inverter—The power inverter converts the low voltage DC to the 120 volts AC. For a stand-alone system, unless you plan on using battery power exclusively, you’ll need a power inverter. If your system is grid connected, this is the only additional equipment you’ll need.
Hybrid System—If you live in an area where wind speeds are low, a hybrid system (combining wind power with solar power or fuel generators) may prove most effective. In this case, you’ll need to add a generator and controllers that can automatically operate the system.
The Basics: How Does Solar Energy Work?
Every minute of every day, enough of the sun’s energy reaches the earth to meet the world’s energy demand for an entire year. Using photovoltaic technology through solar panels, solar energy is created by converting the heat and light that comes from the sun into electrical energy.
Each solar panel is made up of many solar cells containing both a positive and a negative layer. Much like a battery, these layers generate an electric field. As the sun’s energy is absorbed by the cells, electrons are created and then travel toward the bottom of the panel and exit through a connecting wire. This flow of electrons produces electricity, which can be used in the same way as electricity generated by other non-renewable energy sources.
The Benefits of Solar Energy
If you’re looking for more affordable, eco-friendly energy alternatives, you can’t beat the benefits of solar energy:
- Economical — Now more than ever, consumers are feeling the pinch when it comes to the cost of energy for heating their homes, powering their vehicles and generating electricity. But, by investing in the right equipment, many are seeing that solar energy is by far one of the most economical, reasonably-priced energy solutions available. Low equipment maintenance over the long run makes it an especially good buy.
- Renewable — Because the supply of the sun’s light is free, unrestricted and renewable, solar energy users are never affected by shortages (other than nightfall), skyrocketing prices, or production limitations. What’s more, technological advancements enable solar equipment to consistently operate even on cloudy days.
- Environmentally friendly — One of the most eco-friendly energy alternatives, solar energy production does not directly emit fumes, create greenhouse gases, carbon emissions, or yield noise pollution.
- Convenient Power Source — Whether it’s used for back up to a permanent energy source or to provide power in remote areas, solar power offers all the convenience and dependability of standard energy resources, without the financial or environmental costs.
How Do I Generate My Own Solar Power?
Harnessing the sun’s energy for your own use begins with putting together the right components for your needs. If you’re ready to “go solar” consider starting with a few basic solar power components. You’ll want to add to your system as your needs grow and as you experience the benefits of solar energy.
- Solar Panels – Your source for electricity and to charge batteries to power your car, truck, motorcycle, ATV, boat, personal watercraft, RV, home or appliances. Sold individually or in solar power kits, begin by determining the number of panels you’ll need based on your intended use.
- Charge Controller — If the sunlight is too bright for too long, the voltage produced by the solar panels has the potential to damage the batteries. As such, a charge controller is required to regulate the charge, thus preventing overcharging and ultimately increasing battery life and performance.
- Power Inverter — The power inverter serves a dual purpose, either converting the low voltage DC to the 120 volts AC needed to run appliances, or charging your batteries if connected to a utility grid or an AC Generator. Unless you plan on using battery power exclusively, you’ll need a power inverter.
- Batteries — Your batteries store the solar energy for a consistent power supply over time, even when the sun isn’t shining. Deep-cycle or marine batteries are recommended as they are designed to be charged and discharged repeatedly.
Many appliances are now available as solar-operated products. These solar products allow you the benefit of use when there isn’t a conventional power supply handy or available, (i.e. camping, power outages, etc.) but also work to save you money by utilizing the sun’s light as their main source of energy. A few solar-operated product examples include:
- Solar Air Collectors — These solar powered devices work like space heaters and can be used as a supplemental heating system when the sun is shining.
- Solar Powered Lights — Gathering and storing the sun’s energy during daylight hours, some solar powered lights turn on automatically after dark and work well for added security and safety illumination outdoors.
- Solar Auto Air Purifier — Works to absorb harmful gas, smoke and other particulates while efficiently operating on solar power.
Solar Power Installation Tips
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time contractor, you can always use helpful tips when installing a solar equipment energy system.
- For maximum effectiveness, always place solar panels where they will be in direct sunlight for a minimum of six hours a day.
- If placing on a rooftop, keep the pitch of your roof in mind when installing solar panels. Angling the panels to maximize exposure to the sun will also maximize the energy collected by the solar panels.
- Consider installing solar panels at the same time your home is being roofed. This will make finding rafters and making repairs easier if you do both jobs simultaneously.
- Even if you feel confident about installing your solar power system, consider bringing in an expert to assist you. Experienced professionals can help you maximize the effectiveness of your solar energy system.
- Investigate government incentive and rebate packages available. These can range from product rebates to energy refunds to low interest loans. For more information, consult the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (http://www.dsireusa.org/)
How Many Solar Energy Panels and Storage Batteries Will I Need?
The following chart illustrates the wattage requirements to operate some standard appliances and devices using solar powered energy.
| Appliance/Device | Watts Required | Watt Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator—10 cubic ft, used by 2 people daily | 120 | 960 |
| Television—32-36 in. screen, operating 4 hours daily | 160 | 640 |
| Microwave Oven—1000 watts, operating 30 minutes daily | 1,000 | 500 |
| Lighting—Four 100 watt bulbs, operating 4 hours daily | 400 | 1,600 |
| Computer—Desktop computer, operating 3 hours daily | 140 | 420 |
| Miscellaneous—400 watt device, operating 1 hour daily | 400 | 400 |
| Total Daily Watt Hours Required | 4,520 | |
| Alternative + Renewable Energy including Bio-Diesel Processing, Energy Storage Batteries, Power Inverters, Solar Solutions and more from Northern Tool + Equipment. |
