Wind Turbines
This is all about harnessing wind energy, with wind turbines for the domestic market. Apparently David Cameron (Tory leader of the Opposition) is having a wind generator put on his London house*, so we decided to investigate the feasibility of such a venture.
The wind turbine, or domestic wind turbine in this case, has these terms associated with it:
- small wind turbine - small enough to go on the side or roof of a house
- wind turbine blades - must be able to withstand the harsh British climate
- wind turbine manufacturers - not that many!
- wind turbine power - how much power can a wind turbine produce (eg, 15 kw wind turbine, 1kw wind turbine)
- wind farms
- offshore wind farm
* He hasn't had much luck actually! Having finally had it erected on the side of his house, he's been told to take it down again because it's installed incorrectly!
How about a spot of DIY?
[
21 Apr 2006]
Hugh Pigott appears to be the man when it comes to DIY wind turbines. He designs and builds all sorts of turbines, and installs them around ...
Wind Intermittency not a Problem
[
06 Apr 2006]
The UK Energy Research Centre has published a report on the costs and impacts of intermittent renewable energy such as wind. It concludes that ...
Connecting to the Grid
[
28 Mar 2006]
Apparently you need an approved G83 grid connect inverter (such as two SMA Windy Boy WB-3000 3.0kW grid connect inverters).
Here's the website ...
Wind Speed Map
[
28 Mar 2006]
This map, based on data published by the DTI, isn't terribly helpful as it only shows average wind speeds. It also comes with these caveats ...
Winterton Turbines
[
27 Mar 2006]
These aren\'t domestic turbines of course, but do show what can be installed on open land. Apparently the small ones are fifteen years old, ...