March 20, 2010
- How Does Wind Energy Work?
J Cosmos asked:Let’s get into small wind power generation today. Or you might say wind energy power generation.
There are many types of wind energy systems. What you need is a wind energy system for homes.
Today let’s get into the generation of electricity itself. Suppose you have the windmill built and have it on its tower. What kind of generator would you want to use to take all those RPMs from you tower and produce electrical power from it/
Many would think of a simple car alternator. The main reason for that is simply that the car alternator is very, very available. They are not expensive and you probably have at least one in your garage or shop.
I am afraid that in order to generate any really useful power, you would have to generate at least two thousand RPMs. The larger and more powerful your windmill, the slower it will spin. You could adapt a chain and belt drive, a gear set, etc. However, I think you will end up with so many other problems it’s better to simply move to permanent magnet alternators.
Most successful home made windmill generators use permanent magnet alternators. A permanent magnet alternator will produce power when moving at slow speeds.
Some have taken an ordinary car alternator and replaced the standard armature with a new machined armature that contains permanent magnets. The results have been better than the normal car alternator but are still less than adequate.
Another idea is to simply take a single or three phase induction motor and fit permanent magnets to the armature. In order to do this, you would need to machine with a lathe down to a size that the armature will allow you to glue the magnets to the armature.
I have seen an average one hp induction motor with strong Neo magnets supply over ten amps. Keep in mind that the wound wire limits your current and some have rewound the wire and received up to thirty amps. As many of you have guessed, the disadvantage to all this is the power curve. You will find peak power at a low RPM and at a faster rate the power drops off significantly.
The best I have found is the Stepper Motor, also known as a Switched DC motor. These are found in most computer equipment and are quite good. They are cheap, available, and effective. Sometimes you can find a washing machine that uses a large permanent magnet, stepper like motor. If you can find one, they make a superior windmill motor.
One serious disadvantage to these motors is cogging. Cogging is the vibration you feel when a stepper motor is rotated. The interaction of the magnets and the laminations/poles will bring this on. The result is that the windmill generation is a little hard to start. But when going, all reaction is gone. It just needs a little more wind to get it going. Then it’s fine.
Let’s talk a while about where you want to put the windmill. This is an important step. Finding a place where the wind has no obstacle can be difficult. Trees, bushes, buildings, even the shape of the ground can be an obstacle.
A lot of people think that it is a neat idea to simply put it on the roof of their house. This is not a neat idea. It is a very bad idea. Do not do it. The vibration will travel down the mast into the surrounding ground.
You do need to put it above the local obstacles. How high? Keep in mind that you have to get it up there and you have to be able to bring it down for maintenance.
Keep safety in mind. Things can fall off and hurt someone. So don’t put it near where people gather. Better to hurt a tumble weed than a child.
Keep in mind that if you live in a city, the height is probably regulated by code. Find out the regulation first. Before you begin to buy supplies.
I think we covered enough for today. Let’s get together again tomorrow.
Let me state this before I go. I know many of you just play around with this stuff. Electricity is a fun thing to hobby with and it takes ingenuity. That’s fine.
If you are just playing at this, ok. But if you are trying to be responsible and take care of those who depend on you, then this is serious business and you need to take it that way.
Information is what you simply must have if you are going to do an effective job of it.
If you are serious about learning about how solar or wind power generation can free your family from the elite power companies, click and go to my website where you can learn all about the advantages of solar and wind small power generation.
I am not selling a thing, but have allowed some friends to present the information they have in an understandable form.
You see all the changes going on around you. How sure are you that we will all have electricity in a few years?
You might have to do it yourself.
Perhaps the only people who will have electricity or fuel for travel are the ones who provide it for themselves.
Do it now. You’ll be glad you did, and so will those depending on you.
Read more on How Does Wind Energy Work?…
Energy Tags: energy, solar power
March 17, 2010
- Kansas Wind Energy
Richard Chapo asked:Situated in the heartland of the country, Kansas is a state with lots of wind energy potential. Here is a guide to Kansas wind energy efforts.
Kansas Wind Energy
The United States is currently the world’s third largest producer of wind energy, trailing behind only Germany and Spain. Wind energy producing wind farms now create over 10,000 kilowatts of electricity a year, enough to supply around 2.5 million homes with energy. The cost of producing electricity from wind energy has declined dramatically in the last 25 years, from an expense of 45 cents per kilowatt-hour in 1980 to the current price of three to five cents per kilowatt-hour. The relative inexpensiveness of wind energy has lead many states to install wind farms to try to meet some of their energy needs.
According to the American Wind Energy Association, Kansas wind energy amounts rank this state as the third highest wind energy producing state in the US. Only Texas and North Dakota produce more wind powered electricity. The largest Kansas wind energy producing wind farm is located in Gray County, and it is known as the Gray County Wind Farm. This area contains 170 wind turbines, which are capable of generating 110 megawatts of energy per year. This is enough energy to provide electricity to 33,000 average homes in the state.
The amount of harmful carbon dioxide emissions that a coal-fired energy plant producing the same amount (110 megawatts) of energy would be about 600 tons, meaning that the Gray County Wind Farm reduces pollution by that amount annually. This wind farm was built in 2001 over a 12,000 acre site near Montezuma, Kansas. Only six of those acres actually house turbines and related equipment.
There are other Kansas wind energy sites throughout the state. The Westar Wind/Westar Energy project includes the first two wind turbines that were installed in the state of Kansas for commercial energy production. Placed at the Jeffrey Energy Center in 1999, the two turbines produce 2.9 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year, which is enough to energy 300 homes, with the land around the turbines still being used for farming purposes.
While Kansas is not the United States’ largest wind energy producer, it is definitely a major contributor to the country’s wind energy resources. The capabilities of the wind energy found in Kansas, North Dakota and Texas alone are enough to energy the entire US, so once wind energy is fully harnessed, we will as a nation be able to cut down drastically on our reliance on fossil fuels.
Read more on Kansas Wind Energy…
Energy Tags: hybrid cars, solar energy
March 16, 2010
- Using Wind Energy to Make Off Grid Power
Josh Quentin asked:Working to create wind energy for your home does not have to take years to accomplish, nor do you have to have thousands of dollars to invest in your home energy system to offset the costs of your energy bill each month. What you do need is the right information to help you make an off grid power system that does not cost a fortune, and that is easy to build yourself.
Finding Information
When you want to create wind energy for your home, the best thing that you can do is take the time to do some research so that you can find an affordable option that would not leave you paying an additional bill each month. For most people, a good eBook or an internet search can give you the entire information that you need to have an off grid power source to lower your energy costs.
Online information is a good option because it can be free or very low cost. If you cannot find what you need using a simple online search, then you may want to try to find a book or an eBook that has the information that you need to create wind energy for your home.
Supplies and Costs
The most important thing that you will need to create wind energy to make off grid power is a windmill. If you have experience building, and have some supplies lying around your home, then you are looking at a very low cost for your windmill. For most people, the average cost for one windmill is well under two hundred dollars.
Read more on Using Wind Energy to Make Off Grid Power…
Energy Tags: hybrid cars, energy
February 18, 2010
- Trouble in Wind Energy?
[caption id="attachment_2279" align="alignleft" width="130" caption="Wind Energy"]
[/caption]As with many new energy technologies the core issue is getting the generated power from the location to the demand. With coal and oil you just send it down and expensive pipeline or load it onto trains and ship it to the power plant. But with technology like solar or wind you have resources for these energies that may lay outside of a service demand area and you have to figure a way to get that power to those who will use it.Read more on Trouble in Wind Energy?…
Energy Tags: clean energy, hybrid cars
February 15, 2010
- Is wind power generator at home really work ?
Joel asked:I heard about wind power generator and I want to make a wind power generator to power things in my house. Although I am not sure where to find good information. I want to save money. Is there any reliable information on how to make wind power generator at home?
Read more on Is wind power generator at home really work ?…
Energy Tags: energy resources, solar power
February 14, 2010
- Easy Ideas On How To Save Home Energy And Money
Nothing is able to prevent fuel from increasing, however there are methods to reduce utility bills. Just about the most economical and efficient power sources today is wind power controlled through wind generators.
Since wind power is clean and ourenvironmentally friendly energy supply, it truly is considered a replenish-able, eco-friendly way to create electrical energy. Scan these uncomplicated tips.
* Consider the energy utilization at home.
Determine the power needs within your home to be able to understand if wind energy might do the job. Additionally, the place must have a dependable stream of air flow; otherwise, using a wind generator might be a futile procedure.
* Look at the neighborhood home laws locally.
Wind generators might not be authorized in your area, so it makes sense to understand the local property requirements put in place in your town so that you can go about establishing a wind generator as part of your yard. Call your regional government to determine if creating a wind generator at home may be disallowed.
* Organize your wind energy device.
In case you are not really qualified in terms of electricity, it is usually most effective to give the need to some specialist. Just be sure you use a specialist with familiarity not only in electricity, but additionally with residential wind power.
This professional will help you create this wind generator in the location exactly where you can get the best wind power. The generator ought to be installed in the location exactly where the blowing wind is consistent and offers moderate movements to produce the most power.
* Assemble your structure along with the generator.
If you have ordered a wind system, follow the instructions that are supplied along with it so that you can install the generator and also the tower. Make certain that your tower will be secure enough in order that even during hard thunder storms, wind power can still be harnessed while the tower is still anchored in the yard.
* Set up the tower to the energy system of your house.
This step is important since it allows the tower and generator to transform wind energy into electricity for residential usage. Consult your instructions shipped with the kit for in depth information for this step.
* Produce wind power and utilize it at your house.
Now, you can actually enjoy the added benefits of using wind power at home. You’ve got two possibilities: it is possible to either use it to power the entire house or rather just parts of it. It will depend on your home’s electricity needs.
No one wants to be in the position of needing to reduce energy usage, but since we must, there are creative ways to do so.
Shortcut to realistic knowledge about the topic of traffic to website – make sure to go through the web site. The time has come when concise information is really only one click away, use this possibility.
Read more on Easy Ideas On How To Save Home Energy And Money…
Energy Tags: clean energy, solar energy
February 10, 2010
- How to make a wind power generator at home?
r34gtrowner asked:I want to make a wind power generator to power things in my house. I want it to be able to power a small tv and DVD player.
Read more on How to make a wind power generator at home?…
Energy Tags: energy resources, solar power
February 9, 2010
- How does wind power relate to life science?
GerryWolke asked:I have a science fair coming up and I need to know how wind power relate to life science.
Energy Tags: biodiesel, energy resources
- What tax advantages are there for using wind power and what speeds are required?
MJ in Illinois asked:Are there U.S. federal tax advantages or rebates for using wind power? Does Illinois have tax advantages or rebates for using wind power? What are the required average wind speeds for Chicago and other areas to successfully use wind power?
Read more on What tax advantages are there for using wind power and what speeds are required?…
Energy Tags: alternative, battery technology
February 2, 2010
- When is wind power expected to be easily accessible to the general public?
Peter T asked:What is keeping wind power from widespread use and when is it expected to be easily accessible to the general public?
Energy Tags: solar energy, alternative energy
January 31, 2010
- Wind Power For Your Residence: Benefits And Drawbacks
In a recent energy study review entitled “The Benefits of 20% Wind Energy by 2030,” it says people around the globe could very well eliminate 15,200 million pounds of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2030 as well as over 2 times that amount by the year 2050.
If we were to grow our use of wind power by roughly 20%, we would also be able to cut down water usage in the electrical market by 8% (4 trillion gallons). This might reduce natural gas interest and costs by 12%, saving the public nearly $130 billion.
Clearly, methods to reduce energy costs are now front and center.
Basic Reasons in Favor of Wind Energy
When thinking through wind energy positives and negatives, you should additionally consider the positive aspects of utilizing turbine wind power. First of all, wind mills supply a clean domestic basis of power.
The wind will never quit blowing, therefore delivering a continuous basis of electrical power if we harness it effectively with the best suited backup generators. This zero cost form of power will not create greenhouse gases, create radioactive waste material or give off pollutants either.
When compared with solar supply – geothermal and biomass energy – wind power is comparatively low priced. The US Department of Energy conjectures that alternative wind power will run only 4 to 6 cents per kilowatt hour in the upcoming years.
Precisely Who Benefits?
Advantages from using wind energy are not simply pertaining to government authorities or corporate people, but also for substantial numbers of citizens as well as population centers which additionally tap into huge alternative wind power turbines linked to a utility grid.
Ongoing innovative developments are targeted at generating cutting edge designs so that individual people and companies are able to assimilate these systems on their private property as well. Farmers and landowners may well sell portions of their land to be developed as wind farms, which adds a fiscal bonus.
In addition, wind farms and manufacturing centers draw various jobs to a local community, which include safety personnel, managers, engineers, assembly workers, administrators, mechanical operators, environmental impact assessment surveyors, truckers, and trainers.
Disadvantage Considerations
So how about some of the drawbacks presented by wind created power?
A number of people find the overall look of tall groupings of wind mills as being ugly and unnatural.
Additionally, the University of Massachusetts has reported that wind power turbine generators usually are very loud any time wind speed is slow. They tell us that the disturbance from each different turbine is roughly the same as one car traveling at 70 miles per hour.
The sound has moreover been referred to as a “large rock wrapped in a towel turning in a tumble dryer,” and “like someone was mixing up cement in the air,” or “comparable to a train which never arrives.” As one US resident deadpanned, “Wind mills don’t become great neighborhood friends.”
In some Canadian scientific studies, it has been discovered that citizens located around windmill farms made note of suffering from painful headaches, even though this potential threat has not at this point been scientifically demonstrated.
Whether or not a windmill is in your sights, creative energy saving strategies are hot on people’s minds.
Grab useful things to know in the sphere of Free Traffic System – please make sure to study the site. The time has come when proper info is truly within your reach, use this opportunity.
Read more on Wind Power For Your Residence: Benefits And Drawbacks…
Energy Tags: alternative, solar energy
- Wind Power?
ryseesdg asked:Wind Energy?
“950W of power at 45km.hr winds
Delivers 100 Kw / hours a month at an average wind speed of 5.4 m/s
Adjustable voltage (12/24/36/48V)”Can someone please tell me what that means? And my question is would you be able to indefinitely power a small fridge, a TV and other things on that wind turbine which costs $3 000? I’m posting this many times because I’m not satisfied with the answers I already received. People are just not making it simple enough to comprehend. Its all spanish to me.
Energy Tags: hybrid cars, solar energy
January 30, 2010
- What are the pros and cons of using wind power to power up our community?
Joon S asked:It’s for a project.
What are the pros and cons of using wind power?Energy Tags: wind power, solar power
January 26, 2010
- How do I make my own wind power generators?
John S asked:I want to make my own wind power generator at home because I want to use it to power my laptop and a small portable TV. How do I go about building wind power generators?
Read more on How do I make my own wind power generators?…
Energy Tags: battery technology, alternative energy
- Home Developed Windmill Energy – A Terrific Supplemental Energy Supply
Wind power may be one of the most alluring energy source alternatives on the market these days, not merely for industrial factories but as well as houses. It is one of many great ways to save money on energy.
There is absolutely no shortage of wind, and it’s a tremendously useful method to harness your source of electricity even while appreciably reducing your expenses to the local energy provider.
Adding a wind-driven model for your residence may well, in the end, reduce your regular costs on using lights, heating units, and home equipment – amid other sorts of gadgets around your residence that regularly draw energy.
Home Developed or Professional
A home-made windmill may be considered one of the top possible choices to a commercial wind-driven system merely since you can then pick out more inexpensive materials with which to construct it.
Though there are selected high quality professional windmills that aren’t terribly pricey, it is nevertheless economically of great benefit to at least investigate a device you put together from your home.
Acquiring a commercial windmill could be a helpful selection in case you have either the liquid money to invest for one or less construction skills (or interest) to construct your own given that it without doubt will take some time and persistence.
Getting started
To start with, you will need to investigate the amount of electrical power your home demands in order to accurately allocate the charges of products you\’ll need. The internet provides a wealthy supply of useful details to give a hand here. A good deal of the data is zero cost, however some that is more technical may well involve a modest cost.
The essential parts of a windmill core kit consist of wind blades, a tower, a shaft, a generator or motor, along with a base assembly sturdy enough to anchor all the pieces constantly in place when enduring formidable winds or storms.
Based on your family electrical power needs, your windmill may have merely 4 or as many as 20 blades. The tower is the piece which keeps the blades together in the air flow for the blowing wind to rotate.
The generator changes the wind to mechanical power and stores power meant for coming usage. And the shaft joins the blades along with the tower in order to ensure non-problematic rotation of the blades.
Further Concerns
Part of your analysis ought to be to ascertain usual wind velocity in your locale to help picking the proper kind of windmill. It’s likewise imperative to understand the usual path of the wind exactly where you live for the proper placement of the windmill. Of course, wind speed and direction are not unchanging, so exactly what you will be figuring out are the most popular. a web weather Internet site or regional weather station should be able to assist.
An extra factor is potential obstructions surrounding the windmill, like good sized buildings, trees, or if you dwell in a mountainous community. Considerable obstructions may likely result in a reduced amount of wind, which will mean less electrical power created for your house.
Finally, you should look at the projected elevation of the tower from the ground. Wind is usually more active and strong at high altitudes, so if your windmill tower reaches a greater elevation – while not giving up steadiness – you will achieve a superior electrical power benefit.
There are innumerable energy saving ideas that you can tap into. Windmill-generated power is one of the best.
Gain practical things to know about the topic of Free Traffic System – study this web site. The times have come when concise information is really only one click away, use this chance.
Read more on Home Developed Windmill Energy – A Terrific Supplemental Energy Supply…
Energy Tags: alternative energy, solar energy
January 25, 2010
- What major companies use wind power as one of their sourses of electricity?
olivia k asked:I have a class that i need to list some companies that use wind power as their source on energy. So if you know or, think that you work uses wind, or if you know what does use wind please post the companies name[s]!
-Thanks ViaRead more on What major companies use wind power as one of their sourses of electricity?…
Energy Tags: wind power, energy resources
January 20, 2010
- Thinking About The Cost Of Wind Energy
The cost of wind energy is the first matter that may come to mind when the subject is talked about. Harnessing energy is an expensive affair, and as such it is normally a final factor as to if folks will look to these alternative sources of power. While there’s definitely an initial outlay for the appliances you’ll need, the expenses concerned will even themselves out and rapidly you’ll see the financial benefits of wind-generated electricity. It is a wonderful idea for a backup to a main power supply, and with the right gear you’ll be ready to completely transform the way that you harness energy and claim your place in the annals of environmental thinking and conservationism. Most of the cost of wind energy is an one-time deal, and aside from the occasional fix bill, there are few other costs to think about, making it terribly economical to run as well as being ecologically sound. The cost of wind energy is low, as you will be aware.
The initial cost of wind energy is naturally somewhat frightening to some people, yet while the money issue of erecting a wind farm can seem unnecessary, the payback apropos energy is tough to deny. Generally, a larger wind farm is cheaper to create than a small one, however peculiar that may seem at first. Remember, the more turbines at your disposal, then the larger the amount of energy generated, and the cost of wind energy is then reduced.
In addition, the Cost Of Wind Energy turbines has fallen in recent times, making it an increasingly enticing concept. Other considerations to take under consideration are legal permissions, placement, planning permissions and any place- categorical matters that must be dealt with. Wind based energy has the capability to be exceedingly helpful to the environment along with your bank balance, and it is being used more and more by personal home-owners along with businesses who want to see exactly what the Cost Of Wind Energy can do for them.
Read more on Thinking About The Cost Of Wind Energy…
Energy Tags: solar energy, alternative energy
January 17, 2010
- How Do We Use Wind Energy – Build Your Own Wind Generator
Les gives us a tour of the parts and plans for building your own wind generator. He and his wife live off the grid and they make all their own power from solar and wind. His guide, which we offer a sample chapter from on our site is a useful do it yourself to building an inexpensive and effective wind generator for your energy needs.
December 26, 2009
- Wind Energy News Roundup
Lots of new developments going on around the globe with regard to wind power and wind energy generation. Here is summery of recent news on the wind energy front.Please comment on your favorite wind news story and let us know what you think of the development of this natural resource.
Read more on Wind Energy News Roundup…
Energy Tags: energy resources, hybrid cars
December 18, 2009
- Northern California Winery Adds Wind Power To Wine Production
On Thursday, a construction crew from Jonas Energy in Lake County, aided by a crane, installed a 45-foot Skystream 3.7 wind turbine on Anaba’s vineyard and tasting room property, located at 60 Bonneau Road in Sonoma, at the intersection of Highways 116 and 121. According to Sweazey, the turbine is expected to generate 40 to 75 percent of the electricity needed to power Anaba’s tasting room, offices, irrigation system and cased goods storage facility.
