Save Money on Your Electric Bill by Installing a Small Wind Turbine
Introduction
According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), Small Wind Turbines (SWT's) are defined as those having a capacity of 100 kilowatts (KW) or less. Small wind turbines have also been described as turbines with a rated power of less than 10 kW. Regardless of power output, small wind turbines have lower energy output than large commercial wind turbines, such as those found in wind farms. Many small wind turbines can look like a miniaturized, 'back yard' version of the large, utility-scale, three-bladed commercial turbines. With large variations in appearance, the industry encompasses over 200 different models of small wind turbines.
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How Are SWT's Used? Small wind turbines have traditionally been utilized in marine, farm, cottage and other rural applications where access to the electrical grid is limited. Newer technologies, increased energy costs, and the green movement have resulted in SWT's being used in more mainstream applications in urban settings. These turbines may also be as small as a fifty watt generator for boating or caravan use. Comparison to Larger Turbines Small wind turbines often have direct drive generators, direct current output, aero elastic blades, life time bearings, and use a vane to point into the wind. Larger, more costly turbines generally have geared power trains, alternating current output, flaps, and are actively pointed into the wind. A small wind turbine is technologically advanced, but can be mechanically simple, with only two or three moving parts. Residential settings often rely on the smaller wind turbine offerings, while commercial settings might demand the larger turbines for energy generation. |
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SWT Design Features
There are two main types of small wind turbines: (1) a Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT), and (2) a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). The axis refers to the rotational axis of the turbine blades. The HAWT is the more popular option, commonly found in residential and commercial settings. The VAWT is gaining in popularity, because of its quieter operation and insensitivity to wind direction. Most SWT's feature three blades of 2-15 feet in length, a generator located at the hub, and a tail to orient the turbine in the wind. Small wind turbines are commonly mounted on a steel tower that is 35-140 feet high. The tower can be designed as a freestanding monopole (like a street light), a lattice tower (like a radio tower), or a guyed monopole (like a street light with support cables from mid-tower to the ground). The dominant small wind turbine design is essentially a smaller version of the three-blade horizontal axis large turbines used in wind farms.
Will a Small Wind Turbine Save Money?
Homes use approximately 9,400 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per year (about 780 kWh per month). A wind turbine typically lowers a household electricity bill by 50% to 90%. It is not uncommon for wind turbine owners with total-electric homes to have monthly utility bills of only $8 to $15 for nine months of the year. The amount of money a small wind turbine saves you in the long run will depend upon its cost, the amount of electricity you use, the average wind speed at your site, and other factors.
Summary
Small wind turbines provide a cost-effective, efficient method of generating free electricity from renewable wind energy. These wind turbines can be technologically advanced, yet easy to build and install. DIY small wind turbines are a popular option for homeowners with the skills and tools to build these electrical generators. Small wind turbines can also be purchased, with a large variety available online.
To learn more about building your own DIY small wind turbine, visit our recommended resources below. To purchase a small wind turbine, see our listings (right) or go here
Recommended Resources-Learning About Building Small Wind Turbines