Micro Wind Turbines

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Wind turbines do not have to be as large as a wind mill which, is specifically found on top of a hill and on cliffs beside the sea. As technology and innovation is driven, micro wind turbine is rapidly being recognized by consumers.

The advancement and benefits of micro wind are becoming known all over the world. Research and development gives the micro wind turbines a promising major role in the renewable energy distribution.

Earlier development of micro wind turbines was not made in practical solution due to the noise it produces. But because of the advancement in engineering and technology, a much quieter micro wind turbine has been developed with the addition of reduced vibration during its operation. Wind turbine harnesses the useful power of wind and converts it to electricity.

Micro in Size but Macro in Impact

The benefits of micro wind turbines are discussed below.

* Lower you electricity bill – wind is everywhere and it is free to use. Only the initial installation will be costly but in the long run your electricity cost will surely be trimmed down.

* Green and Healthy Living - the use of wind electricity is green in nature. With the use of micro wind turbines you cut off the carbon and other elements that harm your healthy being. The micro wind turbines are producing renewable energy that doesn’t release harmful pollutants.

* Store electricity for future use – If you are not connected to the national grid, you can still make use of the electricity by storing it in batteries and using it in the future scenarios.

Work of Micro Wind Turbines

Micro wind turbines use blades to catch and hold the wind. When the wind blows and hits the blades, it drives the turbine to rotate and generate electricity. The stronger the wind is, the more electricity is produced.

Micro wind turbines are generally installed on towers or on an elevated area so that they can catch the required amount of wind on a higher speed.

Types of Wind Turbines

Horizontal Axis Turbines – Most wind turbines are in a horizontal axis manner. It is the one that you usually see on farms. They are usually mounted on top a hill or on top of a tower in order to catch the wind. With small scale versions like that of micro wind turbines, they have tail fins in order to guarantee that the blades are constantly turning.

Vertical Axis Turbines – The other type of wind turbine is the vertical axis turbine. The vertical axis turbine is not that common compared to the vertical ones. However, this type has the advantage of not requiring the blades to face the wind. This is vital when the wind varies direction over time.

Micro Wind Turbine’s Capacity

Determining the micro wind turbines capacity to generate electricity depends solely on the amount of wind speed in the area. A 5KW wind turbine is a micro turbine so are 7500 watt.

The New Home Made Wind Turbine

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In the old days wind energy was on a scale so big that it meant that each turbine had to have a large area surrounding them. The towers were very high, the turbines large and there was fear that something could happened, that unless there was sufficient space around the turbine, there was a danger of damage or even injuries. Generally, just those people with big pockets or with a lot of property could have a wind turbine.

Another problem, especially with wind turbines which are for home use, was a loud and irritating humming sound. This was simply because when the rotor blades, turned, they vibrated and produced this irritating sound. The only real alternative ended up being to put these turbines well away from the home. While this did help, additionally, it prevented many from discovering problems with the turbines until it was too late.

Now days, this has all transformed. Not only are home wind turbines smaller, the released more electrical power than ever before. The blades happen to be changed to create less noise, and in many cases you cannot even listen to them. Because technology for wind power is constantly advancing, they’re becoming more practical for residential usage. Which means that you can possess one and start producing your own wind energy at home. If you’re interested in wind power as a way to not only supplement your power needs, but possibly help you to be much more independent from energy companies, here are a few choices to choose from. A lot of it depends a lot on what kind of budget you’ve and how much time you are willing to invest.

Also known as commercial wind turbines, they are going to be more expensive, but if you would like something that you can set up simple and easy, start generating electricity right away, this is the process to go. Based on your own power requirements, these turbines can cost between $6,000 to well in to the tens of thousands. While this may be costly for some, there’s very little additional to do when you buy them, and many commercial providers you buy from will even install them for you.

The largest problems with these commercial generators are the initial cost to turn around potential. It can take as much as twenty years or more before these units may produce enough electricity before you see any type of rewards.

Home Turbine Wind Kits

These types of kits can be a cheaper alternative that buying a commercial unit. These types of kits tend to be complete with the whole of the materials and hardware you have to put your personal wind turbine together, and is within the mid-range when it comes to cost as well as the function involved. These types of kits ranges in cost from around $600 in order to upwards of $4,000, based on the size of the generator, as well as where your get them.

While these can seem just a little expensive still, doing a part of the work yourself can save you cash. Building from a kit is less difficult than building from scratch, and it allows you to learn more about how wind generators work as well as operate. These types of kits include all that you need, from the generator, hub, blades, as well as the cables and controller. All that you should provide may be the power inverter and the stand. While these kits can be less expensive than commercial turbines, sometimes the costs can continue to deter individuals from buying them.

Homemade Wind Turbines

This is of course one of the cheapest options when it comes to house wind energy. It involves extra work on your part, but in the end can save you up to 80% over the costs of buying a kit or perhaps a commercially made turbine, close to $200. These expenses are just for building the wind turbine itself, you will still have to pay extra for the wiring, the inverters, and the back-up systems.

There are lots of really good DIY wind turbine web sites that can help you build your own wind energy generators. Most of these turbines could be built from ordinary every day materials, wood for the stand, PVC material pipes cut in half for the blades, as well asvehicle alternators for the generator. Many of these materials can be purchased at your nearby home improvement shops. These DIY sites offer complete details, materials as well as tools lists, and complete easy to follow diagrams.

Whether you buy a commercial unit, kit, or make one yourself, you can feel good about doing your job to save the environment. You can also feel great that you are no longer as dependent on others to provide energy to your home and family. If you just put a little time and effort into your power project, it is possible to save as much as 80% of the total price of building as well as installation.

Used Wind Turbine Scams

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Purchasing a used wind turbine can be a very daunting process. Advertised as used wind turbines, second hand wind turbines, remanufactured wind turbines, or even refurbished wind turbines how can someone determine which used wind equipment is good and which is bad? How can someone determine what the difference is between them? How can someone keep from being “scammed”?

Used wind turbines can be excellent deals and provide their owners with years of electricity at a price substantially less than a new system of similar nameplate capacity, but a hastily purchased used turbine can cause the owner headaches and financial loss.

First it is important to understand that buying a used wind turbine is not like buying a used car or boat. Cars and boats become available frequently for many reasons; the owner can no longer make the payments and the property is repossessed, the owner becomes tired of the color, or wants more power or room, a newer model is available are some of the many reasons a person my want to sell their used car or boat. In the case of wind turbines it is unlikely the owner is selling their equipment because they have become tired with it or no longer like the model or style.

Most used wind turbines available have become available for one of the following reasons: The turbine is at the end of its current useful lifespan or the turbine does not produce the power that was expected upon installation. Less common reasons a second hand wind turbine may become available might include the replacement of the current turbine for a larger system, or perhaps a property is sold and the new owners don’t like the wind turbines. Whatever the reason a wind turbine has become available, it is important for a prospective buyer to understand the exact reason the turbine became available and is being sold.

A wind turbine that is being sold at the end of its lifespan is very common. These machines are the most affordable and are in high demand, but an individual should not consider the purchase of this type of wind turbine if their intent is to install the unit for long term energy production. Wind turbines at the end of their useful lifespan are typically purchased for one of three following reasons:

• the turbine is going to be used by a college or other wind energy professional for training or educational purposes
• the turbine is going to be taken apart and used for spare parts
• the turbine is going to be remanufactured or rebuilt to original manufacturer specifications

Properly remanufactured or refurbished wind turbines are the best options for those people who are considering a used wind energy system. When a used wind turbine is properly remanufactured the unit can produce years of electricity at a price substantially less than a new system that produces similar amounts of power. However, buyers must use caution when selecting a remanufactured wind turbine also.

Many quality remanufacturers exist. Unfortunately there are plenty of horror stories of people who thought they were purchasing a quality remanufactured product and ended up with little more than a freshly painted wind turbine that had not been completely remanufactured. It is important for anyone considering a remanufactured wind turbine to ask questions. Ask questions about the remanufacturer, and exactly what was done in the remanufacturing process. Be cautious if the seller and the remanufacturer are the same person or company. Wind turbines are not machines that an average person is going to remanufacture. Remanufacturing services are typically offered by companies that specifically work with wind generator manufacturing and remanufacturing equipment, allowing them access to the customized parts and equipment required to properly remanufacture a used wind turbine for restored long term use.

Ultimately, if you are considering a used wind energy system, you need to begin by determining the type of equipment you are interested in (i.e. ready to install equipment that will last a long time or equipment that requires work or repair). Then ask questions and use common sense when considering the answers. Consider the reputation of the company and or the individuals you are working with. Are they insured? Who are they? What do they do? Consider the detail you received about the remanufacturing process, and the length and strength of the warranty on the remanufactured equipment. And of course do your research and verification. A couple of questions and some additional research and background can help you ensure a positive wind energy experience.

Matthew Gladen - About the Author:

 

Matthew Gladen is certified by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association as a Wind Site Assessor and is a member of the executive management team of FESCO Direct LLC. FESCO Direct is a leading provider new, used and remanufactured wind energy equipment. The firm specializes in equipment distribution offering discounted or wholesale pricing to renewable energy professionals, but for the convenience of retail clients offers general project consulting and turnkey installation services in select US and European markets.

What is Going On With Renewable Energy?

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By Wade Lawson

 

I am only a small look at the Renewable Energy Advancements in the United States but I want everyone who is concerned to know more. I can not answer that question “What is Going On With Renewable Energy?” but I can tell you some things that I do know.

First over the past 5 years during the Green Energy Boom here in the U.S. we have gone from being very dependent on Foreign developers to holding our own. For example with Foreign Wind Turbine designs and advancements we mostly did nothing but provide cash, land,labor and access to the U.S. for Wind Farm Development.  As expected the U.S. and our workers are now the best developers for green energy in the world. Even the leading manufacturers from outside the U.S. have decided that their products if erected on U.S. soil will be produced here. Maybe to save money in the assembly process but none the same it gave us control of assets and put American men and women to work. Isn’t that the priority? So we achieved a goal and we developed a new market that will also save our planet and provide for our future children and their livelihoods.  Mmmmm did we really?

Lets go ahead a look at this now. In April it appears that the Congress failed to attach the Federal Production Tax Credit extensions for wind. Most  of  us have heard of PTC and have come to expect an extension. Well with this passing and no extenstion attached to the payroll tax cut what else could make it worse? It is election year so the chances of a stand alone extension going through Congress is looking slim. This is where we all need to make sure we are heard and understood. We need to alert our Congress to just what is about to happen.

In the economy of the U.S. if we do not have an extension of PTC than we are facing yet another industry that will be forced to perform massive layoffs within the Wind Industry. We are going to notice the loss of Wind Energy and it’s job market plus energy producing benefits. You can see how much effect there is in the country already if you are watching the wind energy stocks. I believe the other clean renewable energy sectors will also start showing drastic drops inside their industry stock.

Many companies will be effected and the renewable energy developers will most likely feel it first. The developers are the companies that rely on PTC more than the rest.  So with this said these companies will not go away but what they will do is go work in other Countries. Canada is sure to benefit from cheaper wind materials and equipment that should have been used in the United States.  Many of the companies will be work through some of this chaos since their job values were in place prior to the expected PTC expiration.

Many persons still feel that Fossil Fuel is the best way to go for our future. There are many good reasons why we continue with Fossil Fuel and we are not going into all that here. Many know that combined heat and power plants called (CHP) have a fuel efficiency rate better than 90 percent while converting fuel into electrical production plus heat. This said renewable energy is a growing market that has made huge advances and will continue to make huge technical advancements for years and years to come.

We must not stop supporting renewables like Wind Energy. It is going to be something if we allow all of our neighboring countries develop the future energy sources.

Thanks For Reading

Wade Lawson

 

 

 

 

American Wind Energy Promotes Growth

TweetBy Wade Lawson

The American Wind Energy Association promotes the growth of wind power through educational programs, communication and advocacy. Lots of houses now have small wind turbines installed to cover standard electricity needs. Due to the efforts of the American Wind Energy Association lots of individuals now have the chance to reduce energy bills and protect the environment at the same time.

Investments in wind power systems are extensively encouraged by the US government in collaboration with the American Wind Association. The association provides informative data and statistics on the facilities that the wind industry could offer, and these often turn into guidelines for the alternative energy programs that the government wants to develop by federal policies. This kind of support is directed towards slowing down climate modifications.

It is partly due to the American Wind Energy Association that the US population can now enjoy the federal Production Tax Credit for wind energy. The costs for the installation of wind-powered generators are reduced with up to 30% due to this federal aid. Thanks to such facilities, the number of US renewable energy programs and companies/individuals producing electricity has increased considerably.

The American Wind Energy Association is also well known for hosting the WindPower Conference, the largest international event of the kind. This is the event where the latest green technologies are revealed, with large-scale components included; you can also learn about the latest trends and find information on the development of various renewable energy policies. The annual conference usually takes place in Dallas, Texas.

The utilities that the American Wind Energy Association works with include municipal public power structures, rural electric co-operatives, investor-owned utilities and several others. The association provides information and consultancy for the choice of wind power equipment, wind systems, operation and development of renewable energy structures.

The official website of the American Wind Energy Association is a rich source of information for anyone interested in events related to wind power. You can also find out how to become a member and how to find other organizations that work in the alternative energy industry. The website contains a large number of useful links that can prove helpful for the average home owner, interested in investing in a wind power system.

Visit the American Wind Energy Website for more information. Greenerenergyonline supports further renewable energy development.

Thanks for Reading:

Wade Lawson

www.greenerenergyonline.com

www.cnfg-si.org

U.S. Government Investment into Renewable Energy

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Comments By Wade Lawson

The US government must continue to back the expansion of green energy research and development and its implementation by companies and homeowners. Although this writer believes in the reign of the free market and that that government is best which governs least it is imperative for support to continue.

Most of our renewable energy companies are just getting to the point of efficiency. To stop providing developmental funds now would be a shame. Not only does it harm the green energy efforts to date but it will prevent expansion for future generations. I sincerely hope that our government realizes money spent in renewable energy development is money invested in U.S. jobs, future generations, and in Earth itself. Support Earth Day and lets push foradditional development and tax breaks for renewable energy.

Wade Lawson

www.greenerenergyonline.com

www.cnfg-si.org

 

 

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