Posts Tagged ‘Wind turbine’
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Home wind generators are making a big impact in the renewable energy realm these days.
With the world rapidly changing as our current energy supply dwindles we are forced to seek out renewable alternatives. At the forefront of this renewable energy technology is wind power for its emission free energy generation and for being one the most abundant, replenishable sources of power in the world, wind which makes a homemade wind generator a logical choice.
The American Wind Energy Association states that a typical wind turbine or homemade wind generator has the ability to reduce an average household’s bills by up to 80% and more. This amount is variable and can depend upon the type of wind turbine as some models are more efficient at converting wind to energy than others, how much power your home consumes, the wind speed where your homemade wind generator is located, etc.
In terms of carbon footprint and environmental impact, an average sized homemade wind generator over its life cycle can offset around 200 tons of carbon emissions.
How do you know if you’re a prime candidate for wind energy? First determine if the location you live in has favorable enough wind conditions. You can access this data from the US Department of Energy. In order for your homemade wind generator to produce enough energy to power your home, your location should have a minimum of 12 miles per hour wind speed.
If you wish to proceed with your homemade wind generator, enlist the help of a professional wind power evaluator and have them visit your home, they will advise you of the course of action to take when creating your homemade wind generator.
Here are some of the different types of homemade wind generator:
Just as with solar energy panels, the excess energy from your homemade wind generator can be stored as backup battery power on days when you most need it, the advantage is to sell that excess power back to the utility company for a credit essentially giving you power for free.
Other types of homemade wind generator systems do not require a storage battery, rather the homemade wind generator is hardwired directly into your homes electrical power supply. Being linked into the main grid makes up for power shortfalls on days with little wind and so makes a convenient backup solution.
An off grid homemade wind generator is suitable for those living in remote areas with no access to the main power grid. If you live in a rural area you have a greater chance of catching more wind given that the location is free from obstructions such as residential homes and buildings.
To create your own homemade wind generator you can either purchase a ready to assemble kit which can set you back $1,000 or more or you can find some free blueprints online and pay a visit to your local hardware store and go the DIY route, either way it’s advisable that you hire a professional electrician when it comes to wiring your homemade wind generator to your home’s power system.
Some disadvantages of homemade wind generators are not only that it can obstruct your neighbors view but also the noise it generates, in fact a study undertaken by scientists claim that the sound from homemade wind generators can cause sleep deprivation, nightmares, ringing in the ears and distress.
Weigh up your options, explore all possible avenues if you’re interested in creating your own homemade wind generator.
