| If you are planning to install a wind
generator, it is a good idea to be sure of your potential power
output. We can help with this determination. We maintain extensive
data on wind resources for your area, and we can inspect your
particular site if need be. Often, our clients will send us a pencil
sketch of their site reflecting various site features like large
trees, other structures, etc. Combined with our wind data and
extensive experience, this is usually sufficient for planning
purposes. For larger applications we will conduct a site inspection.
Call us for more information on all of our services.
If you are considering a hybrid system using
wind energy as one of the power sources, then it's important to
balance the system, where say, instead of using more (solar)
photovoltaic panels, you may need to increase the size of the
generator - or visa versa. We can help you with these determinations.
Some wind generators may be erected right on
top of a home or building, or by attaching a tower to the side of a
building, but unless there are adequate vibration isolators, there
will be some structural vibration. We do not recommend this practice
with larger generators, on smaller homes, older homes or buildings
with lightweight frames. A separate tower should be used for these
installations, which may still be close to the building if desired.
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We can supply you with everything you
need, including tower kits and other accessories. We provide free
design for our customers, technical support and we can have the
system installed for you too.
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Besides wind speed and having a location for
the generator, it's important to install proper electrical grounding
for the tower and unit. It's also generally recommended that the unit
be 20 feet higher than any structure or other item that's within 100
or so feet of the tower. This is just a rule of thumb, and it depends
on exactly what is nearby, production expectations, etc.
Voltages available in wind generators vary
from unit to unit, and some are adjustable. Both low and high voltage
models are available in varying voltages, from 12 volts to 240 volts.
We can supply you with small, medium and large generators.
An ideal wind generator site has an
average wind speed of 15 MPH or more. This is not to say that a site
with less than a 15 MPH average isn't a potential site. When one
considers the potential output from a generator, even at average
speeds of 9 - 10 MPH, wind generators can be more cost effective than
solar modules over similar production periods, especially since wind
generators can produce over a broader range of time - as in the day or
night time.
Wind generators produce varying amounts of
power depending on wind speed. They'll usually begin to spin between 6
- 8 MPH and begin producing useable charging amps beginning at around
10 MPH. Wind speeds of 25 - 30 MPH are required for the generators
maximum rated output. So, you may have a breezy 10 MPH wind with short
gusts of 15, 20 or 25 throughout the day and/or evening. The charging
amps will therefore vary from moment to moment, so we look at averages
over a day, week, month and year. Keep in mind that wind speed at the
top of a tower is higher than along the ground.
Wind generators can power water pumps
directly when the generator and water pump are matched for such an
application. This eliminates the need for storage batteries,
inverters, and other components.
A wind generator must usually have a built-in
governing feature where after wind speeds exceed a certain point, the
generator will begin to slow itself down, so as not to over-speed and
potentially cause damage to the blades or alternator. Most all of the
generators we sell have built-in governing features. Some units do not
require governing by design.
Some wind units like the AIR 403 and
WINDSEEKER 502 & 503
have built-in battery charge regulation circuitry to prevent
overcharging
your battery and eliminating the need for an external charge
regulator.
A wind generator should also have a "break"
or method of stopping the unit. This is usually done with a control
box and switch where the unit is "grounded", creating sufficient drag
to stop the unit on smaller generators, rather than some sort of
mechanical break like your automobile. Much larger units may have a
mechanical brake.
Since wind generators produce varying amounts
of amps, only certain items should be connected directly to this
source like the previous example of directly powering a "matched"
water pump. Grid-tie is also viable using an inverter to process the
charge amps creating a "sell" feature, however higher average wind
speeds are required to make this option cost effective.
However, when the unit's charge amps are
used to power normal 120/240v appliances, equipment, etc. then a
battery bank and inverter is used. The batteries supply the total
required DC amps to the inverter for AC loads when demanded, and the
generator re-charges the batteries. In grid-tied or utility
interactive systems either all or part of the power may be sold to the
utility company or used to reduce total utility consumption. Systems
which only sell power do not require batteries when configured with a
specific "grid-tie" inverter.
Below, we've provided a very simplistic
visual observation table which gives you some idea of what various
wind speeds will likely do to things like trees, leaves, etc.
Naturally, this information isn't considered scientifically reliable,
but may encourage you to consider your site for wind power.
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