Wind Power Generation
Wind turbines generate
electricity from the mechanical rotation of a small generator.
The generator (like a car alternator) is set in motion
by wind spinning a propeller.
Wind turbines generally have the following 7 basic
components:
1. Hub
2. Shaft
3. Gear box
4. Electrical Generator
5. Charge controller
6. Cooling system
7. Housing
Wind turbines can be very beneficial when there
is a sufficient amount of wind to produce electricity.
Wind turbines can be designed for different types of wind
conditions. This mainly has to do with the gear
box ratio.
Active
Power Generation
Wind turbines are
different than solar panels because they produce the same
amount of power when the wind blows, regardless of the load
(amount of power needed). This is called an “active” power
generator. Solar
panels are “passive” since they will only produce as much
power is required. This means that with wind turbines,
it is possible to overcharge and damage your batteries if
there is no diversion load wired into your system. A diversion load will sense when
your batteries are fully charged and then divert the excess
power being produced by the wind turbine.
Wind turbine manufacturers have specific information
on what type of diversion load is needed for each type of
wind turbine. Some wind turbines have load diversions
built in that divert the power into heat.
Benefits
of Wind Power
Wind power can be
used in many locations (more than most people think).
They are very beneficial when there is a sufficient amount
of wind to produce electricity. Wind turbines can be
designed for different types of wind conditions (gusty or
slow and steady). This
mainly has to do with the gear box ratio.
When set up
properly wind generators are very low maintenance and produce
cheaper power than solar panels. Wind generators do
not require any fuel and are a clean reliable source of renewable
energy.
To
learn more about wind power generation click on the following
link: http://www.windpower.org/
Wind
turbines come in a variety of types, sizes and voltages. Go to the links page to find locations
of wind turbine distributers and manufacturers.
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