Build Your Own Wind Turbine

Letter of the day: Clean wind energy should be one of Michigan’s priorities (Detroit Free Press)

Story Submiter — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:01:04 +0000

Michigan has nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline where clean wind energy is available. Why is it taking us so long to take advantage of this?

AWSL’s Atlantic Solar Inc. Receives Letters of Intent From Green Energy Funds to Negotiate Major Financing Agreements (Marketwire)

Story Submiter — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:01:49 +0000

TORONTO–(Marketwire – March 8, 2010) – Atlantic Wind and Solar Inc. ( PINKSHEETS : AWSL ) is pleased to report that negotiations with several Green Energy funding companies are advancing toward finalizing a financing that would fund AWSL’s current activities, including numerous JV Ontario rooftop solar projects, production ramp up of the Company’s outstanding Inverters/Converters, continued …

Wind Energy

Build Your Own Wind Turbine — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 23:46:55 +0000

Wind energy is a converted form of solar energy. The sun’s radiation heats different parts of the earth at different rates—most notably during the day and night, but also when different surfaces (for example, water and land) absorb or reflect at different rates. This in turn causes portions of the atmosphere to warm differently. Hot air rises, reducing the atmospheric pressure at the earth’s surface, and cooler air is drawn in to replace it. The result is wind.

Air has mass, and when it is in motion, it contains the energy of that motion — “kinetic energy.” Some portion of that energy can converted into other forms — mechanical force or electricity — that we can use to perform work.

How does wind energy work?

A wind energy system transforms the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical or electrical energy that can be harnessed for practical use. Wind flows through turbines which create energy that can be used for electricity.

There are two basic designs of wind electric turbines: vertical-axis, or “egg-beater” style, and horizontal-axis (propeller-style) machines. Horizontal-axis wind turbines are most common today, constituting nearly all of the “utility-scale” (100 kilowatts, kW, capacity and larger) turbines in the global market.

The Future of Wind Energy

The U.S. wind energy industry turned in a solid performance in 2004, adding 389 megawatts (MW) of new generating equipment to the nationwide fleet, or enough to serve more than 100,000 average homes, according to AWEA.

How many homes can one megawatt of wind energy supply?

An average U.S. household uses about 10,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each year. One megawatt of wind energy can generate between 2.4 million and 3 million kWh annually. Therefore, a megawatt of wind generates about as much electricity as 240 to 300 households use. It is important to note that since the wind does not blow all of the time, it cannot be the only power source for that many households without some form of storage system. The “number of homes served” is just a convenient way to translate a quantity of electricity into a familiar term that people can understand. (Typically, storage is not needed, because wind generators are only part of the power plants on a utility system, and other fuel sources are used when the wind is not blowing.)

How much energy can wind realistically supply to the U.S.?

Wind energy could supply about 20% of the nation’s electricity, according to Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory, a federal research lab. Wind energy resources useful for generating electricity can be found in nearly every state.

U.S. wind resources are even greater, however. North Dakota alone is theoretically capable (if there were enough transmission capacity) of producing enough wind-generated power to meet more than one-third of U.S. electricity demand.

What is needed for wind to reach its full potential in the U.S.?

Consistent policy support

Over the past five years (1999-2003), the federal production tax credit has been extended twice, but each time Congress allowed the credit to expire before acting, and then only approved short durations. The PTC expired again December 31, 2003, and as of March 2004 had still not been renewed. These expiration-and-extension cycles inflict a high cost on the industry, cause large lay-offs, and hold up investments. Long-term, consistent policy support would help unleash the industry’s pent-up potential.

Nondiscriminatory access to transmission lines

Transmission line operators typically charge generators large penalty fees if they fail to deliver electricity when it is scheduled to be transmitted. The purpose of these penalty fees is to punish generators and deter them from using transmission scheduling as a “gaming” technique to gain advantage against competitors, and the fees are therefore not related to whether the system operator actually loses money as a result of the generator’s action. But because the wind is variable, wind plant owners cannot guarantee delivery of electricity for transmission at a scheduled time. Wind energy needs a new penalty system that recognizes the different nature of wind plants and allows them to compete on a fair basis.

New transmission lines

The entire transmission system of the wind-rich High Plains, which cover the central one-third of the U.S., needs to be extensively redesigned and redeveloped. At present, this system consists mostly of small distribution lines—instead, a series of new high-voltage transmission lines is needed to transmit electricity from wind plants to population centers. Such a redevelopment will be expensive, but it will also benefit consumers and national security, by making the electrical transmission system more reliable and by reducing shortages and price volatility of natural gas.

Transmission will be a key issue for the wind industry’s future development over the next two decades.

C. Ozcan – is the author for Site Insaat Inc. Please visit Site Insaat Mimarlik Hizmetleri Insaat Firmalari for more information about Turkish contracting and construction services in Turkey.

Originally posted 2009-11-07 18:31:04. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Facts About Solar Energy

Build Your Own Wind Turbine — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 23:46:54 +0000

Solar energy consists of the light and heat emitted by the sun, in the form of electromagnetic radiation.

With today’s technology, we are able to capture this radiation and turn it into usable forms of solar energy – such as heating or electricity.

Although one could go into technical dissertations on the subject of electromagnetic radiation, how it is converted into solar energy, and the exact qualities of its electromagnetic rays, this is not something the average person needs or wants to know.

But in order to be able to benefit from the use of solar energy, there are a few facts you should know. Knowing these facts can assist you to make sound decisions, when looking at the use of solar power as a clean energy source for your home, RV, or whatever the case may be.

Environmental Facts about Solar Energy

All life on earth is dependent upon solar energy. In fact, without solar energy, there would be no life at all. Even the lowest life forms, such as plankton and microbes, need solar energy (in the form of sunlight) in order to survive.

Solar energy is completely environmental friendly, producing absolutely no carbon emissions or other harmful byproducts whatsoever.

Solar energy can be used successfully and cost-effectively just about anywhere on the planet. You do not need to live in a tropical or desert climate in order to benefit from the use of solar energy. Solar power has been used successfully in many cold climates and even in the polar regions.

Every area of the United States of America receives enough sunlight to benefit from and make use of solar energy and solar technology.

Currently, the cheapest and most effective way of using solar energy in your home is through the use of solar water heating systems. In fact, solar water heating systems have been commercially available in the United States for over a 100 years.

Solar energy can be used for heating homes effectively in cold climates, as well as in warm climates. In fact, for decades now, solar heating has been in use several cold-climate northern European countries.

Solar energy technology has advanced to the point where it can be now be a viable and cost-effective replacement for regular grid-electricity.

Solar energy is rapidly increasing in popularity – so much so that the demand for solar-powered gadgets is currently greater than the supply.

Facts about Solar Energy Usage

Solar energy can be used to provide electricity, heating and hot water for homes.

Solar energy can also be used to heat swimming pools. Many pools in Scandinavia and Europe are in fact heated with solar energy.

Solar Energy can be used to power vehicles, such as solar powered cars, and even a solar powered airplanes. NASA has successfully designed, built, and tested an airplane which is powered wholly by solar energy.

A few examples are: solar battery chargers, solar flashlights, solar calculators, solar radios, solar-powered attic fans, solar power backpacks (to recharge batteries for small devices), hybrid solar chargers (for cell phones, satellite phones, and more), solar-powered garden lights … and much, much more.

To find more information about solar energy, and to get a full understanding of solar power devices, see Facts about Solar Energy and Portable Solar Power.

Originally posted 2009-11-08 16:41:29. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Energy investor to erect wind turbines near factories (Daily Telegraph)

Build Your Own Wind Turbine — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 23:46:53 +0000

The man who oversaw the sale of British Energy to France’s EDF has launched a new venture to build small wind farms near to heavy industrial users of electricity.

Solar Water Heater Saves You Money

Build Your Own Wind Turbine — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:57:17 +0000

Are you considering installing a solar water heater for your home? Solar heaters offer many benefits, but there are some disadvantages as well. Find out if a solar heater is right for your home.

How solar water heaters work?

Solar water heaters work pretty much the same way as any other solar powered device. Solar panels installed on your roof capture heat from the sun, than it is converted into electrical energy. The energy is stored in special batteries and the power is used as it is needed.

Quite often your hot water tank will be on the roof too, to minimize the energy loss. But solar power can be used for instant tankless water heaters as well, as for ones with a tank.

Pros and cons of a solar water heater

Advantages are obvious – solar energy doesn’t cost you anything, so you will be pleased to discover how much your energy bills go down with the installation of a solar heater. Another thing some people might not think about straight away is environmental issues. Using energy from the sun is environmentally friendly, so not only solar heater will save you money, but you will help to save our planet.

The main drawback of a solar water heater is its initial cost. In the past few years the prices on solar heaters went down, but they are still pretty expensive. Another disadvantage is that if there is much snow in your aria, the panels will end up under a pile of snow and won’t work. So you will have to remove the snow build up in order for the solar panels to work properly. To avoid this you can add solar-powered heating strips to melt the snow.

How to choose the right solar system for your home

Solar panels will be installed on the roof of your house. Usually on the side facing south. Luckily the panels come in a variety of colors to fit with the design of your home. You can also find many configurations to help stay within your budget.

One way to get a solar water heater, despite its high price is by starting small to reduce a portion of your water heating bills. Then you can add panels as you can afford to. How big a heater do you need? That depends on the size of your family and your hot water consumption. Generally speaking one gallon of water storage for every square foot of collector area works best. Another thing to keep in mind when installing a solar heater is that a path from the collectors to the hot water tank should be no more than 40 feet.

You won’t need a new water tank, unless it is too small for your family. In this case an additional tank can be used. Usually for a 50-gallon water tank 40 square feet of solar panels will be sufficient.

Solar water heaters are becoming increasingly popular these days, because more and more people want to use the energy of the sun instead of electricity or gas. If you get a solar heater for your place, it will eventually save you a great deal.

Tatyana Turner provides consumer information and reports about energy efficient heating systems including all solar hot water heaters .

Originally posted 2009-11-06 17:35:03. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Wind Power Generators – All Natural Power Plants

Build Your Own Wind Turbine — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:57:16 +0000

While the technology for using wind power has been with us for thousands of years, the use of this alternative power source for the generation of electricity has never really gone mainstream. Coal and natural gas-fired power plants are efficient and convenient, but they use fossil fuels, and these fuels are definitely finite resources. Wind power is as limitless as the sun and wind.

Wind Power is Coming Around.
Wind is not a common source of energy today but soaring coal, oil and natural gas costs and the negative eco-effects of these conventional fuels have ignited a new interest in alternative renewable energy sources. Along with solar power panels and collectors, windmills can now be seen blossoming in fields across the country and are proving to be a viable source of energy as long as there is a constant enough supply of quality wind.

Are Alternative Energy Sources Reliable?
A wind power generator, as the name implies, is technology that makes electrical energy from air currents. As people who live in windy areas of the U.S. know, wind energy is abundant – and free. But is it reliable enough to provide a constant source of electricity – similar to a modern fossil-fueled power plant? The simple answer – no. Harnessing wind energy can be a great addition to an alternative power generation plan (usually paired with solar), but you should always have an alternative (public utilities) as a back-up for those rare times when there is no wind or sun. Of course, before you consider installing a wind power generator, research is in order to determine if the location for the windmill will get enough wind to make the investment worthwhile.

Physics Is Your Friend.
A wind power generator operates by the theory of Conservation of Energy, or more specifically, kinetic energy. Kinetic energy of the wind or airflow impinges upon the rotor blades of the windmill, then is turned into mechanical energy as the generator is spun. This mechanical energy is converted into electrical power by the generator, to be used immediately, or stored in batteries or capacitors. In the early history of wind power, this rotational energy was used to grind grain and pump water.

Wind Power as a Supplement.
As was mentioned above, it may be totally impractical to live off-grid with alternative energy as the sole sources of power for your home, although there are those who do live completely off-grid. To live completely off-grid, you must be extremely efficient with energy use (and storage), and alway be aware of reserves and future needs. For most alternative energy users, wind power is used in conjunction with other sources of electrical power – solar and grid. During good times, many generate excess power and can sell this excess power back to their utility companies.

Location, Location, Location.
There are a few criteria for placing a windmill on your property. Ideally, your home will sit on a good-sized lot in a relatively roomy rural or near-rural development. The tower height that supports the generator can be critical, and research should be done to determine local building codes. Newer and better technology is coming on-line every day that permits installation of power-generating windmills in ever-smaller locations – always do your research and make sure you’re getting the system for your environment.

Technology Here Now.
Making electrical power from the wind is not a new science, rather it is an continually evolving technology based on actual needs. There’s plenty of information – books and other materials – available now on the topics of alternative power generation. Many new sources of do-it-yourself guides have sprung up lately, and some are of good quality.. With this in mind, always do your research carefully and completely before you commit to any particular system. Then, as you watch the blades of your own wind power generator spin, the satisfaction of knowing you did this yourself (with a little help) can be realized.

I’ve looked at some of the more popular plans on how to build your own windmill. What did I learn? Read this review and save yourself a lot of wasted time and money.

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Originally posted 2009-11-02 18:31:12. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Business : European Union to Support Construction of Solar Energy Farms in Saudi Arabia (Khaleej Times)

Story Submiter — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:57:15 +0000

JEDDAH — The European Union is likely to help establish solar energy farms in different parts of Saudi Arabia, according to local media reports.

Effective Marketing For a Better World: How Renewable Energy Companies Should Pump it Up

Build Your Own Wind Turbine — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:22:49 +0000

Anything that is consumable is marketable. Those who are on top of the biz know how to sell all sorts of items and renewable energy is not an exception.

To boost sales of these renewable energy companies, they really have to sell it. It is not enough to say that renewable energy can sustain human life for future generation. Not all are conscious of the future and what awaits the generations to come. Going green really should sell everything they got!

1. Better education is better profit

The world’s condition is already at its alerting stage. More and more people are seeking alternative energy providers to sustain their daily living. Renewable energy marketing is a perfect opportunity to increase the level of awareness of the people and make use of the chance to permeate the consumer’s will to purchase.

Since renewable energy does not come cheap consumer are doubtful in purchasing such equipments. It is timely and tiring to constantly promote renewable energy and at the same time address environmental issues that can be solved with the use of renewable energy. But be rest assured that efforts are not left in vain.

2. Positive renewable energy marketing is additional cookie points

No matter how much people doubt products, always remember that it is the same for almost every product in the market. A good company would like to sell their product in accordance to how they would like the product is perceived by the market. However, a better company would inform the consumers of how they could benefit from clean renewable energy.

3. Proper marketing is favorable to the recommendation of experts

Experts are the best back-up for a renewable energy company. People would listen better to experts using renewable energy rather than celebrities endorsing it without even vouching in for what they say. Expert opinions matter, not only in marketing but in improving quality of renewable energy products simultaneously with sales.

4. Total customer satisfaction should be met with a smileTo meet up with the expectations of consumers is practically what a renewable energy company should be focusing on. It must continuously reinvent itself so that it would constantly offer something fresh to the public.

It would build up company character and confidence in the long run. To live up to expectations and to surpass it as a main objective would build a stronger renewable energy company.

5. Renewable energy marketing can win the heart of the government

The government is one of the biggest consumers in the country to win the favor of the government means better investment, more jobs and of course a wider horizon for the company. To end this, it is better to stay true to what a renewable energy company advocate, a better world.

It is more than enough to say that the usage of renewable energy will sustain future generation. However, no matter how noble the advocacy may be, without proper marketing, these innovations might be as won’t gather much attention

Shirlyn Dee is a co-owner of Keen Partnerships, a pioneer renewable energy marketing company. Keen Partnerships acknowledge the fact that the renewable energy company startups need due exposure, and has the resources and manpower to give quality Internet marketing services for renewable energy players.

She has successfully deployed sites, and has been in the “Internet Marketing” industry for 4 years now. Now her expertise is mostly focused in deploying sites for Keen Partnerships clients, whose businesses are often in the renewability and sustainability field.

Originally posted 2009-11-02 16:53:46. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Research And Development Trends Of Wind Energy Market Globally

Build Your Own Wind Turbine — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:22:48 +0000

Global Wind Energy Market Analysis and Forecasts to 2012 Report ( http://www.bharatbook.com/Market-Research-Reports/Global-Wind-Energy-Market-Analysis-and-Forecasts-to-20121.html ) provides a detailed analysis of current global wind energy installations as well as the forecasts of worldwide wind energy installed capacity until 2020. The report details historical and current statistics relating to wind energy installed capacities and their growth scenarios until the year 2020. It also provides an analysis of the historical and forecast growth of installed capacity, and the market structure and regulatory policies that govern the world’s key wind power countries. The report further includes information relating to the important cost, technological, market, and research and development (R&D) trends on a global basis. It also analyzes the wind power deals that have taken place over the years and gives detailed profiles of the top five market players for each of the sub-sectors in the global wind energy industry.

The report facilitates market analysis and forecasting of future wind energy industry trends. It helps identifying growth segments and opportunities in the energy industry. The news and deals portfolio provided in the report helps an investor to gauge the global wind energy market and accordingly direct their investment.

Of the available renewable energy sources, wind is the most established commercial generating technology with highly effective and reliable equipment and machinery. It has observed tremendous growth, with the total installed capacity augmenting from 23,900 MW in 2001 to over 121,013 MW in 2008, reflecting an annual growth rate of 26% for the 2001-08 period.

Annual Wind Energy Installations to be Impacted by the Financial Crisis

The current financial crisis is severely affecting the growth of wind energy globally. The global wind energy industry is witnessing many cancellations of turbine orders, freezing up and sale of wind farms, and difficulties in securing financial aid for new projects. The worldwide annual wind energy installations will trickle down by more than 15% in the years 2009 and 2010, as against the growth rate of 35% in the new installed capacity of 2008. This will further result in a dip in the demand for wind turbines.

Increasing Mergers and Acquisitions to be the Outcome of Financial Crisis

Wind farms are capital-heavy projects with significant up-front investment that can be financed only by large utilities and investment groups. The critical short-term challenge faced by most wind power developers is financing, particularly for under development projects. The economic downturn, resulting in the failure of some of the world’s largest investment banks, has led to an increase in the cost of capital for wind energy projects. Against this backdrop, only a few large wind power companies will be in a position to pursue their project development plans. Shortage of financial resources with smaller players would give an opportunity to the big giants to takeover or form alliances with such companies, thereby increasing the level of consolidation in the wind energy industry.

Strong Growth Prospects of the Offshore Wind Energy Market

The offshore wind energy market is attracting investors in the wind segment. The global offshore cumulative wind energy installed capacity has increased from 86 MW in 2001 to 1,475 MW in 2008. Most of this capacity is predominantly concentrated in the European region. Currently, there are nearly 5 GW of new offshore wind energy projects in the development phases in Europe. The US has also planned to develop over 2,320 MW of offshore wind power projects, while China has 520 MW of offshore capacity under construction or in planning. Increasing focus on the offshore wind energy sector is principally because of the greater power generation potential at such locations. Offshore sites are also suitable for wind power generation because there is no space constraint. Additionally, offshore wind projects offer multi-fold advantages i.e. large wind turbines can be installed at the offshore sites because of the greater wind speed, thereby enabling it to generate more units of power.

Bharat Book Bureau
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Originally posted 2009-11-05 17:24:00. Republished by Old Post Promoter