How it
works.... |
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1.
Wind catches in the rotor (propeller).
2. Rotor turns shaft, then gears, which turn
six times faster than rotor.
3. Shaft from gear box turns generator (six times
faster than rotor).
4. Electricity is produced by the spinning generator.
5. Electricity travels down wires to cut-off
switch on tower.
6. If cut-off switch is on, electricity goes
to Inverter via underground wires.
7. Inverter, Choke and other components are in
the building 250 feet from tower.
8. Inverter has electronics which synchronize
with power company.
9. Electricity is sent to power company lines
from Inverter.
10. If there is no power from power company,
Inverter instantly turns off.
11. Meter on building shows how much is sent
to the power company.
12. A check or credit is sent to you each month. |
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Steps
To Getting
A Wind Turbine |
| 1.
Site Plan |
a)
Hire an expert to visit your site, provide written estimates of
resources, itemize costs, options, income and benefits.
b) Have a detailed site plan drawn up, showing
set-backs, buildings, directions and turbine location.
c) Make a decision about which turbine and tower.
Remember, a taller tower reaches greater power.
d) 1 acre is a good rule-of-thumb minimum property
size for a small wind installation capable of powering the whole
house.
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| 2.
Permits |
a)
Contact your local power company about entering a co-generation
agreement. They will send you the forms.
b) Hire a consultant to help you complete all permits
and save you time with paperwork.
c) You may be eligible for some grant money
or low interest loans. Your consultant can help you with this,
too.
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| 3.
Construction |
a)
The foundation is critical, so hire an experienced contractor.
b) Follow manufacturers specifications and process
for tower and turbine installation.
c) Hire a licensed electrician to connect your
turbine to your local power company.
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| 4.
Operations |
a)
Annually, inspect bolts and connections.
b) Change oil in gear box and grease any fittings once
a year.
c) Enjoy watching the wind make money for you! Also,
pat yourself on the back for reducing pollution!
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Value
Considerations |
1. Equipment increases
in value as rates go up.
2. Equipment can last for 75 years.
3. Lifetime of free fuel is provided by the wind.
4. Steel and copper prices are going up.
5. Owner gets an increase in income as the local power company
rates increase.
6. Federal, State and local incentives are increasing (Grants,
low interest loans, etc).
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For
More Information on Small Wind Economics |
In-depth infomation on small wind turbines. - HopShop.net
Minnesota Commerce Department:
Mike Taylor, phone 651-296-6830, www.commerce.state.mn.us
Wind Resource Atlas of the United States, http://rredc.nrel.gov/wind/pubs/atlas/
Database of
State Incentives for Renewable Energy, www.dsireusa.org
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For More Information
on Interconnection |
“Connecting a Small-Scale Renewable Energy System to an Electric
Transmission System”
U.S. Department of Energy Reference Brief (bibliography) 800-DOE-EREC
www.eren.doe.gov/consumerinfo/refbriefs/ja7.html |
| “Connecting to the Grid” Interstate Renewable Energy Council www.irecusa.org |
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Zoning
Issues |
| Legal and Safety Issues – U.S. DOE Small Wind System Installation
Reference Brief www.eren.doe.gov/consumerinfo/refbriefs/ja2.html
AWEA Advice from an Expert www.awea.org/faq/sagrillo
- Trials and Tribulations
- Keeping Hearings Under Control
- Zoning Obstacles
- Perceptions/Local Concerns
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