Wind turbines employ the power of the wind to generate electricity. UK is the ideal location for such technology as 40% of all the wind energy in Europe blows over the UK. Large blades circulate in the wind driving a turbine to create electricity. The stronger the intensity of the light, the more electricity is produced. Small systems suitable for households use ‘micro-wind’ or ‘small-wind’ turbines to produce electricity.
The micro-wind turbines can be used to charge batteries which operate small scale electrical applications in remote locations, on caravans and boats. Typical applications are lighting, electric fencing, sensing equipment, road signage and electric pumps.
How it works
Wind turbines are made up of blades, which in the wind, are forced round. As the blades rotate, it turns a shaft which in turn drives a turbine to generate electricity from the wind power.
There are two different types of wind turbines available for domestic use:
- Roof mounted
- Mast mounted
The roof mounted turbine is relatively small, around 1kW to 2kW in size, and can be installed on the roof of a domestic household, where a suitable wind source is available.
A mast mounted turbine is free standing and is placed in exposed areas. It is approximately 2.5kW to 6kW in size and there are two different types of mast-mounted turbines available:
- Horizontal Axis: which are the more commonly used and traditional type of turbines with the blades turning in a similar manner to clock hands.
- Vertical Axis: these are used in built areas where there is a high degree of wind turbulence and a low wind speed.
Benefits
- Wind electricity has no carbon emissions as it is green and is a renewable energy.
- Wind is free and plentiful as the UK has 40% of Europe’s total wind energy, so after initial costs electricity bills would be greatly reduced.
- Leftover electricity generated can either be stored or sold to the National Grid. The battery storage life is typically between 6 and 10 years.
- Grants are also available to cut costs.
- It is the most developed and cost effective source of renewable energy.
Installation and where it can be used
The system is relatively easy to install and can be used in most places to provide electricity.
Maintenance checks are required every few years, and a well-maintained turbine should last over 20 years.