Domestic Wind Turbines: What, How and Why?
What is it?
Of all the alternative energy generation methods, wind generation is probably the most visible. Huge turbines are starting to become common place on the horizon in many countries. Installations vary from huge, multi-turbine wind farms, both on and off shore all the way down to small domestic wind turbines in people's back gardens. Most domestic wind turbines resemble aeroplane propellers, but there are variants appearing, some of which work on a vertical axis.
How does it work? (The science bit)
Electric generators are very similar to electric motors - they just work in the reverse of each other. If you apply electricity to an electric motor it spins, if you spin the shaft of a generator it produces electricity. This is all down electromagnetic induction, a phenomena documented in 1831, by Michael Faraday. He discovered that if an electrical conductor, such as a copper coil, is passed through a magnetic field, then an electric current will flow through the conductor
Is my home/premises suitable?
According to the Energy Saving Trust 40% of all wind energy in Europe blows across the UK, so, in general, the UK is an excellent location for domestic wind turbines; however there are many factors to consider. Wind energy generation is best suited to sites that experience a steady, average wind speed of no less than 5m/s and the turbine needs to be exposed, away from tall buildings and foliage.
Opinions vary on the aesthetics of domestic wind turbines, and this mix of emotions can make them subject to legal and planning guidelines. Small domestic wind turbines normally do require some form of planning permission from the local council.
What are the benefits?
You can also "sell" your electricity back to the National Grid. Feed-in Tariffs (FITs) came into effect as of 1st April 2010 and requires energy suppliers to make regular payments to householders and communities who generate their own electricity from renewable or low-carbon sources such as solar electricity (PV) panels, hydro generation or domestic wind turbines.
The scheme guarantees a minimum payment for all electricity generated by the system, as well as a separate payment for the electricity exported to grid. These payments are in addition to the bill savings made by using the electricity generated on-site.
What are the costs?
Small roof-mounted domestic wind turbines start at around £1,500, with larger turbines costing considerably more as you go up in size. Maintenance is reasonably straightforward and the components are normally based on established designs and offer commensurate levels of reliability.
External links
The British Wind Energy Association
Read on!
The Benefits of Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariffs
Green Energy: what's eligible for the Feed-In Tariff scheme
What exactly is the Feed-in Tariff scheme?
