Wind Turbines

If you live in an area where there is an average of at least 16km/h of wind, you may have a good location for a hybrid solar photovoltaic and wind energy system. Small wind turbines are well suited as a complementary source of power generation for an off-grid power system. For many places, the turbine compensates for weather or conditions when there is little sun. Very often, when the sun doesn’t shine, the wind blows.

Primus Windpower is known for its smaller AIR series wind generators, which are used for homes and boats. They produce about 35 kWh per month with average winds of 19 km/h and are manufactured in the USA.

TECHNO SUN Wind Turbines

• Wind turbines of 400W to 12V and 24V, the two in one.
  Wind turbines of 2000W to 24V and to 48V.

Wind turbines Primus Windpower (Formerly Sotuwest Windpower)

• Silent X: Quiet wind turbines.
  Air 30: More robust wind turbines for windy environments.
  Air 40: The flagship wind turbine for isolated installations.
  Air X Marine: Specially protected against sea saltpetre.

Rutland Wind Turbines

• Rutland 914: With integrated MPPT controller
• Rutland FM910: For high winds
• Rutland FM1803: 400W at 12V or 24V
• Rutland 1200: 300W at 12V or 24V with blade diameter of 1.2m

Although there are several factors that influence this, some basic guidelines to consider are: space, wind speed, and the amount of energy (kwh per month) you are trying to produce. Remember that going up and down 18m wind turbine towers requires a lot of space! Next, make sure that the average wind speed in your area is at least 4.5 m/s. If it’s minor, it won’t produce much energy. Most wind turbines begin to produce energy with winds of 3 m/s or more.

You’re not sure of the wind speed where you are? Note that the wind speed at your location may be drastically different from that shown on the general map. We suggest you invest in a quality anemometer or wind meter. An anemometer is a device that measures the wind speed at the potential site of your wind turbine.

LOCATING YOUR WIND TURBINE

The height of your wind turbine will dramatically affect performance. Your wind turbine must be at least 9 meters higher than any other obstacle within a radius of 90 meters. This means 9 meters above any building; any treetop; anything that affects the turbulence of the air when it hits the turbine. If you are going to invest in the installation of a wind turbine, you will want to do it the right way. Because wind speed is directly related to tower height: the higher the tower, the more energy it will produce. Check with local building and zoning codes to see if they have any height or other zoning restrictions in your area. Do this before you buy!

 

What size mini wind turbine do I need?

Wind turbines could produce their maximum power momentarily during a gust of wind, but it is unlikely that winds will remain at that speed. However, it is best to base your estimates on the average turbine power output given the average wind speeds for your location.

Check out the graph each manufacturer offers on each of our product specification/detail pages, which shows the average monthly energy output (kwh) as a function of average wind speed. This will give you a more accurate picture of what you can expect the wind turbine to produce in a month; and from there you can compare that output to monthly usage (in kwh) on your electricity bill.

For example, the 12-volt DC Primus Wind Power AIR 30 should produce about 20-25 kwh per month with an average wind speed of 15m/s – 19.6 m/s.

What other components do I need?

Wind turbines are generally sold on their own. Also, wind turbine towers are generally sold separately and are specific to the wind turbine, as a tower can be between 10 and 30 metres high. Remember, the higher the tower, the more power your generator will produce.

Although there are tower kits offered by manufacturers, we recommend that you purchase the tower locally. In addition to the turbine and tower, you may also need an inverter depending on what the turbine is feeding and a deep cycle battery bank, as well as adequate overcurrent protection and disconnects to comply with the code. These additional components would be comparable to the main components of a solar electric system. Turbines often require batteries, especially if you plan to connect to the mains.

Do you have questions about wind turbines, towers or data instruments and control boxes? Call one of our wind turbine systems experts today on +34 9638265656565