Home Made Wind Power Generation
Recent news shows that 42% of all new electricity generating capacity in the US now comes from wind power generation, and there are ever-increasing federal and state incentives for installing wind power generators for both business and domestic use. Home made wind power has never made more sense than now.
So what is wind power generation and how do wind power generators work?
The systems used in residential applications are quite simple. A small electricity generator, not unlike the alternator used in cars to drive on-board power systems and top up the battery, is driven by a propeller mounted in a suitable position on top of a house or on a separate mast. It needs to be clear of people and animals, and in an area exposed as much as possible to any wind.
Surprisingly small amounts of wind will generate electricity, and modern domestic wind power generation systems are designed for all wind speeds and gusts.
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DIY wind generators, turbines or windmills can be easily retrofitted to virtually any home without the need to change any wiring or appliances. Although they generate electricity in the form of direct current (DC), which is satisfactory if they are being used to charge storage batteries, a small inverter device can be fitted in the line to convert the DC into alternating current (AC) if the wind generators are being used to power household devices directly.
Many people are making and installing small wind turbines because it is now possible to do so for less than $200.
In most cases, the utility company will install a second meter to measure how much surplus electricity it is getting from the wind turbine owner, and will use this to offset any electricity used by him from the grid. It is possible, in some areas of the US, to generate sufficient electricity from a wind turbine to cancel out all utility charges – really free power!
Federal regulations (specifically, the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978) require utilities to connect with and purchase power from small (less than 80 MW) wind energy systems, and many domestic users are now taking advantage of this.
Home made wind turbines that produce an average 1.5 kWh will make a significant reduction in your monthly charges. Most have very few moving parts and do not require any regular maintenance.
They do make some noise, but not enough to be found objectionable by most people. A typical residential wind turbine power generation system makes less noise than the average washing machine. Wind turbines do not interfere with TV reception. They are safe, cheap and effective.
Over the long term, home wind power generation is a good investment because a well-sited system increases property values, similar to any other home improvement. And many people buy wind power generators in preparation for their retirement because they do not want to be subject to unpredictable increases in utility rates.
There are now several simple designs and kits available that can be assembled and installed for under $200 if you are willing to do the fitting yourself. It is a very easy project which does not require any special skills.
If you do decide to build your own wind generator, GreenDIYenergy produces my favorite step-by-step manual for wind power generation projects, and I highly recommend this small investment to ensure you get the design and assembly right.
Go save some money on those utility bills!
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