Build Your Own Wind Turbine

New wind energy generator installed

Build Your Own Wind Turbine — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 07:46:03 +0000

A larger, more powerful wind energy generator, which was raised into place Monday, will be supplying energy for the 13 residences in the self-sustaining Abundance Ecovillage community north of Fairfield.

Solar energy incentive rebates dwindling

Story Submiter — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:06:27 +0000

ALPINE — If you’re thinking of installing solar energy at your home or business, take advantage of solar energy rebates while they’re still available.

Home Wind Power: How You Can SAVE Money Using It

Build Your Own Wind Turbine — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:30:12 +0000

Home Wind Power: No More Energy Bills to Pay! Read on to Learn More

Over the past years, most people never considered wind power as a serious source of generating energy and electricity, that too, for domestic purposes. In fact, wind was perceived as just another natural phenomenon with very limited usage in life. People generally reveled when the weather was pleasant, and tried to protect themselves when storms or blizzards attacked an area.

However, the situation grew more serious over time, as the oil crisis hit the world. The prices of oil rose rapidly, and the need for an alternative, less expensive source of energy was felt acutely. Such an energy source would indeed be required pretty soon. Now, wind power fitted the bill perfectly. In addition, the supply of wind power was plentiful as well. Thus, many experts tried to combine automobile alternators to radiator cooling fans. This was expected to produce 12 volts of DC current, and was quickly stored away on automotive storage 12 volt batteries. However stretching whatever little power that was produced to 120 volts of AC current, proved to be an unpractical task for most people. And thus, these trials on wind energy harnessing came to an end.

Business houses however, remained extremely active during this period. By the latter parts of 2007, wind power driven devices, like mini generators and turbines arrived in the markets, in large quantities too. Provided that enough quantities of wind power were available, these devices, coupled with utility grids, could substantially bring down the costs incurred on electricity by people. Experts decided to experiment a bit more with these equipments, in keeping with their mental make-ups. The wind turbines were used to try to generate electricity for one’s home requirements. The potential benefits of such an experiment were huge.

It was not that all these attempts met with immediate success. Many people found the continuous roaring sound emitted by the wind turbines to be eminently disagreeable. Hence, they complained of mechanical nuisance to the local authorities, against their neighbors, demanding the turbines to be stopped. In such cases, the authorities were in fact bound to put a stop on the working of any win d turbine. The wind power generated by the turbines lacked in reliability as well. Often, the power could not even spin the turbine blades. The impact of these failed experiments was profound. People were saddled with debt, and attempted to resell their electrical equipments, including the turbines, related accessories, and the inverters that were meant to generate 12 volt usable AC current from the obtained DC power. However, not many were interested in buying these products then.

However, it was not all a story of failure and gloom. Several valuable lessons could be gleaned from these failed attempts to harness wind power. Some of these lessons were:

a) Never use wind turbines in congested city areas. The high rises and sky scrapers hamper the smooth flow of wind at these places.

b) Do not try to tap wind energy by using turbines in the urban regions. The noises affect the ecological balance of the area.

c) For best results, combine a solar electricity generator with the home wind power turbines. The former can work smoothly during daytime. As night arrives, the blades of the wind turbine can start to rotate

d) Erect home wind turbines at areas of high elevation and/or at remote places. The former would get smooth, unhampered flow of wind at such places.

e) Opt for home wind turbines if you cannot access utility power, and

f) Note the similarities between a small home wind turbine and a large scale energy firms. The structure, and hence, the complexities of the two are thus the same too, albeit in different degrees. The different components of the home turbines and larger wind energy firms, including the batteries (for smooth flow of power), the torque controller, the inverter (for conversion of DC output to 120 volt AC current) were all the same too.

Thus, you can learn from these lessons and set up your wind power system – all you need to do is refer to an instruction manual. The manual would help you know how to install the system, the ideal place to do so, as well as how to acquire different parts at an affordable price. Free availability of the batteries is also discussed in the manual. The wires of the wind power system, and the safety features related therein should also be given due importance in such a manual. So go ahead and read such a manual and get ready to benefit from wind power. This information would considerably ease the process of installation of the system and using it to your advantage.

Jim Martin is a researcher, inventor, home energy consultant and author of the #1 best-selling e-book, “Earth 4 Electricity- Renewable Energy Made Easy”. To Learn More about Jim Martin

Originally posted 2009-12-29 16:46:57. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Using Solar Wind Energy is the Way to Go

Build Your Own Wind Turbine — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:30:11 +0000

Many people today have realized the dream of being completely off the grid by combining wind and solar energy. Small sized affordable wind generators are available today for the home user, and they are being combined with photovoltaic cells for power generation. It’s obvious that fossil fuel energy costs are going to keep on rising making it harder to afford getting power from the grid. The time is more than ripe for solar wind energy to be one of the solutions to rising energy costs, and to take us off of fossil fuel energy dependence.

Wind Turbines

Wind turbines are actually very simple machines. They consist of 3 parts: rotor blades, a shaft, and a generator. The rotor blades act like a propeller that turns the shaft when the wind flows through them. The shaft then turns the generator and a current is generated. About eighty-five percent of all off-grid systems use solar wind energy.

The new micro as well as mini wind turbines are very popular with sailors, and are now starting to be more popular with home owners in Europe and the UK. Mini turbines are very cost effective and will only cost about $1,500 to $2,500. They are perfect for generating electricity if you live off the grid in remote rural areas. It’s satisfying to think about having solar wind energy provide for all your energy needs and also knowing that you never have to depend on utility companies.

Photovoltaic Cells

The typical home solar power system consists mainly of these:

a)Photovoltaic Panels

b)Charge Controller Module

c)Batteries (optional)

d)Inverter

Photovoltaic panels convert sunlight into an electric current. The type of current generated by a photovoltaic panel array is DC or direct current. For this current to be usable in most common households, it has to be converted into AC or alternating current. That’s where the inverter comes in. It’s job is to convert DC into AC current.

Solar wind energy systems are also called hybrid energy systems because the use a combination of solar and wind power to generate electricity. The wind turbines are mostly used during the winter months (in the northern hemisphere) when the sun’s vertical rays are mostly directed toward the southern hemisphere, and days tend to be short and cloudy. During summer months, photovoltaic cells would supplement greatly along with the wind turbine.

By using hybrid solar wind energy systems, a homeowner has the option of using or omitting batteries for storage. Homeowners also have the choice of being “Grid-Tied” or “Net Metered”. This means that your solar wind energy system has the ability to provide electricity not only for your house, but the power company as well. This way, if your solar wind energy system generated more energy than was used, the energy can be sold back to the power company. When you’re selling energy back to the company, your power meter runs backward. The “net metered” system therefore is highly recommended. The grid also works as your “battery backup” when your hybrid solar wind energy system doesn’t provide for your power demands.

Net-metered systems are also recommended because they are easier to install, cost less, and offer better performance.

Find out more about how you can save money with solar energy. We provide articles and ideas with many different products for all your needs. From home solar panels to entire home solar energy systems and even solar wind energy systems. The shift to alternative energies is happening now!

Originally posted 2009-11-10 18:37:59. Republished by Old Post Promoter

7 Types of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine – Benefits Available!

Build Your Own Wind Turbine — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:30:10 +0000

You may already be familiar with wind turbines, but did you that are actually two types: Vertical and Horizontal. They each perform differnt functions, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. To decide which one is the best for you, look at your needs. Both share the same common factor as they produce energy by using the wind, except that they do it differently. The main rotor shaft in a Vertical Axis Turbine runs vertically rather than horizontally, hence the name. There are of course advantages and disadvantages for it being in this direction. One of the best advantages is that the gearbox can be placed at the bottom of the turbine, which is not possible in a horizontal turbine, so the top of the tower does not carry all the weight.

Another advantage of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines is that it does not have to face in the wind’s direction. The disadvantage is that it produces smaller amounts of energy than a horizontal turbine, and if the turbine is running in the same direction that the wind is blowing you can get pulsating torques through each turn of the turbine.

Types of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

1. The newest type of turbine out at the moment is a windmill which has a rotation sail. When it is in operation the sails look like those you find on a ship, that expand or contract according to the change of winds. Each has three sails where the speed is controlled by a magnetic counter which expands or contracts the sails as needed. To minimise the damage to the sails there is a control unit for this purpose. The sails can tear during a large storm but the frame is very durable.

2. There are aerodynamic turbines with blades just like a plane made of airfoil base in order to capture the wind’s energy. They are so designed to catch this artificial current of kinetic energy to the centre. A very effective wind turbine it runs at full capacity most of the time to utilise all the wind energy by redirecting and lifting it upwards to the turbines there. It not only responds to the wind but also free flowing water systems such as creeks, rivers, streams and oceans.

3. Darrieus Wind Turbines are known to be efficient but they are big machines for their shape and size. Because a lot of cyclic stress that is put on the tower it does tend to wear out sooner. It consists of three blades which are shaped like loops which connect to the top and bottom of the axle, and often called the “eggbeater windmill” because that is what it resembles. They are connected from the ground upwards by large external structures which hold it up.

4. The Giromill consists of three vertical blades and was based on the patent of the Darrieus design. It is very low on maintenance as it self starting. The blades of strong, light material which are more robust to cope with the stresses placed upon them. They require less blade speed to channel energy with each turn of the blades as they are very high performing.

5. Savonius Wind Turbine mills usually consist of two scoops which convert windpower into torque on a rotating shaft. There also some which are self starting and feature three scoops. They are quite similar looking to helicopter blades except they are bent in a certain style and shape to provide enough energy to be of use.

6. The blades of Windstar Turbines are straight and made of aluminium. They are attached to either end of a central rotating shaft. There are a number of rotors with their own unique dual braking system of pneumatic disc brakes and blade pitch. Windstar Turbines were designed for locations with stronger winds.

7. Vertical Axis Wind Turbines have many advantages as the running costs are low and they are easier to maintain. They can almost withstand any type of low or high wind. They are smaller which means they can be transported easier. The disadvantages are that producing efficient energy from winds takes twice as much time. The turbines have to be installed on flat land and some models require guide wires, which adds more stress to the bottom of the tower; and they have a low starting torque. A consumer has to look at a design that is suitable for them by deciding on the best one for their needs.

Abhishek is an avid Environmentalist and he has got some great Alternative Fuel Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 70 Pages Ebook, “Energy Conservation And Alternative Fuel” from his website http://www.Wonder-Homes.com/643/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

Originally posted 2009-11-06 17:35:13. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Wind energy to power US Mint in Denver

Story Submiter — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 03:30:09 +0000

Wind energy will be the power source of choice at the US Mint in Denver, Colorado.

How to Build a Wind Power Generator

Build Your Own Wind Turbine — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:53:19 +0000

If your one of the many homeowners who tear their hair out each month when the electric bill arrives, you’ve probably thought of the advantages you’d enjoy if you’d build a wind power generator to provide a portion of your home’s electric needs. If you’ve priced some of the commercially available systems on the market, you’ve probably considered your initial thought as a foolhardy idea. That’s not true, however. You can learn how to build a wind power generator, and do it yourself without emptying the retirement fund. If you have a little mechanical talent, some basic tools, a few components, and some free time on weekends, you can build a wind power generator, a basic one, for about $200. Don’t expect this basic system to supply all of your household’s needs. It’s just a beginning, and will start saving money right away.

Don’t jump into a wind power building project until you investigated to find out if you have enough of the most important component – the wind! Check the average wind speed in your area. The local weather bureau or TV weatherman should be able to give you that information. An average wind speed of no less than ten miles per hour is required. It that’s not the case, perhaps you should consider solar power as an alternative.

Once your satisfactorily determined that your local wind speed is adequate, you’ll need to begin acquiring the necessary parts, major components, and accessories that you will be modifying and assembling. This is where a good do-it-yourself step-by-step instruction guide will be valuable. Some of the components that you will need include a storage battery, a tower, a body, and a motor that will serve as the electrical generator.

The description of those parts is obviously vague, but your instruction guide will have specific detailed information to keep you on the right path. Most of the components needed to build a wind powered generator can be found at your local building supply store or from Internet sources. If you’re lucky, you may be able to find a motor at your local salvage yard. Take your time acquiring these components. Saving money is the name of the game.

After a few weekends of effort, you’ll look on with pride at your first shot at removing your home from the clutches of the electric power company. You’ll begin generating a portion of your home’s electrical power, saving money, and using electric power that clean and grteen.

How To Build A Wind Generator
HomeSolarWindPower.com – Create
electricity at home – Use renewable energy. Make a windmill and solar power system, help you reduce your power bill by 80% or even eliminate it completely.

Originally posted 2009-12-27 16:34:58. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Convert Wind Energy Into Electricity – Urgent Message !

Build Your Own Wind Turbine — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:53:18 +0000

If you’re looking for ways to economize and you’re wondering about how to convert wind energy into electricity then listen to what we have to share on the subject – you will not be disappointed by what you learn. Wealthy utility companies provide the majority of us with our electricity; however, there is a secret way that enables you to get free and unlimited power supply with a simple and low-cost method.

“too good to be true,” you might be thinking, but in actuality, anyone is able to easily generate plenty of power for their personal needs and those of their family, and no longer have to depend on expensive electric companies. All this is possible – no longer being held hostage to a power company, just free and unlimited energy for your entire household.

Before you try to learn more about how to convert wind energy into electricity; i want you to know, for both financial and environmental reasons, that there is a way which is already adopted by thousands of people across america and in other parts of the globe that gets you set up with quickly and easily so you can start saving a lot of money. So this sounds great, and now you want to know what this is really about; it’s just a question of tapping into abundant energy sources – taking natural energy sources and transforming them into electricity, quickly and simply, without leaving your own home and without calling in extra help. And here is what makes it really ideal – it’s easy to do, even in the case you are not ‘handy’ and even if you know nothing about electricity.

But as you go on learning about how to convert wind energy into electricity, listen to some more great information – with this new energy solution, you are not only using guilt-free green technology for your energy, it is possible to get paid by your power company for making your own electricity! Try to envision turning on your air conditioner or your heaters as desired free from worry about payments, and having extra money in your wallet for being good to the environment. Sounds unreal? Do yourself a favor and just see how easy it all is; I think that you will be very glad you took this first step.

Enjoy FREE and UNLIMITED electricity?forever!

Watch this SHOCKING Video!

Visit: EasyFreeEnergy.com

Originally posted 2009-12-23 16:43:55. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Global Solar Energy Rolls Out the Most Powerful Flexible Module to Roofing Industry

Build Your Own Wind Turbine — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 03:53:17 +0000

TUCSON, Ariz.—-Global Solar Energy, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency Copper Indium Gallium diSelenide solar material, today unveiled its flexible building integrated photovoltaic module: the PowerFLEX™ BIPV.

WindTamer Turbines Break the Betz .593 Theoretical Limit for Wind Energy

Build Your Own Wind Turbine — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 04:40:49 +0000

ROCHESTER, NY–(Marketwire – December 2, 2009) – WindTamer Corporation (OTCBB:WNDT) today released the results of a performance report from Professor Kenneth Visser of the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering at Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York. The report is based on an analysis of field testing in the Geneseo, New York area and numerical modeling at Clarkson University. The entire report is available atwww.windtamerturbines.com.

The key conclusions of the report are:

- The WindTamer wind turbine operates at approximately twice the efficiency of small open rotor wind turbines on the market today. Its efficiency is observed to exceed the Betz Limit, based on the swept rotor area — namely, the theoretical power coefficient (Cp) limit for traditional, open rotor turbines of Cp =0.593. WindTamer turbines’ Cp values are in the 0.6 to 0.8 range.

- The WindTamer turbine can produce about twice the annual energy output as a conventional open rotor design of the same swept rotor area (the area swept out by the turbine blades). At an average wind speed of 16 mph, the 52-inch rotor WindTamer is estimated to generate about 3,000 kWh per year, more than twice the energy of a comparable open rotor of the same diameter, while the 93 inch rotor WindTamer is estimated to generate about 10,000 kWh per year, again roughly 2.5 times more energy than an equivalent open rotor diameter. The WindTamer will generate roughly 2.1 times more energy at an average wind speed of 9 miles per hour, than a comparable open rotor of the same design.

- The WindTamer turbine continues to produce at its maximum power at higher wind speeds as it does not require furling, otherwise known as braking, to limit the output. Most wind turbines will furl after the rated speed to reduce power output, but the WindTamer does not require this.

- The WindTamer turbine design reduces wear and fatigue, produces less noise and also reduces the danger of ice being thrown from the blades in wet, freezing condition — a phenomenon known as ice throw.

Gerald E. Brock, WindTamer’s founder, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Inventor of the patented WindTamer technology, said, “We are gratified but not at all surprised by the results of the Clarkson University study. We have known for some time, based on our own testing, that WindTamer will outperform its competition by a wide margin. We have also known that WindTamer can produce energy well above the Betz Limit, which has always been viewed as the theoretical limit of the percentage of power that can be extracted from wind moving through a turbine. It should also be noted that the hubs of the WindTamer units that produced these results were only 13 and 24 feet off the ground, which makes WindTamer an extremely attractive alternative to the huge wind towers that are seemingly unwelcome in some communities. The fact that a prestigious research institution such as Clarkson University and a widely recognized, highly respected researcher such as Dr. Ken Visser have now verified our findings is an important seal of approval.”

William A. Schmitz, President of WindTamer Corporation, said that, “From a sales and marketing point of view, this report reinforces our essential message, which is that individuals, businesses, wind farm developers and other purchasers of wind turbines have a new alternative that is not only efficient enough to make economic sense but is also whisper-quiet, less susceptible to wear and fatigue and safer than many turbines currently in use.”

Dr. Visser will present his findings and analysis of WindTamer’s performance data at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Conference in, Orlando, Florida, January 3-8, 2010.

WindTamer Corporation common stock began trading on the OTC Bulletin Board on November 16, 2009 under the symbol WNDT.

About WindTamer Corporation

WindTamer Corporation (http://www.windtamerturbines.com) is a developer and manufacturer of highly efficient wind power generators that utilize our Patented “Fluid-Driven Vacuum-Enhanced Generator” technology for the production of electrical power. Applications of WindTamer turbines include stand-alone and roof-mounted residential; stand-alone and roof-mounted commercial and industrial; wind farms; boat-dock, RV and other recreational applications; portable and transportation; and back-up power sourcing.

About Clarkson University

Clarkson University, New York State’s highest-ranked small research institution, is well-known for its education and research in the area of wind energy and sustainable energy systems. Clarkson launches leaders into the global economy. One in six alumni already leads as a CEO, VP or equivalent senior executive of a company. Located just outside the Adirondack Park in Potsdam, N.Y., Clarkson is a nationally recognized research university for undergraduates with select graduate programs in signature areas of academic excellence directed toward the world’s pressing issues. Through 50 rigorous programs of study in engineering, business, arts, sciences and health sciences, the entire learning-living community spans boundaries across disciplines, nations and cultures to build powers of observation, challenge the status quo, and connect discovery and engineering innovation with enterprise.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. WindTamer Corporation cautions investors not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect WindTamer’s analysis only as of today’s date. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be correct, and actual results could differ materially. WindTamer undertakes no obligation to publicly update forward-looking statements. Further information on these factors, and other factors that could affect WindTamer’s financial results, is included in WindTamer’s Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the latest Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Originally posted 2010-01-19 16:44:34. Republished by Old Post Promoter