Wind Power

Technically speaking, since wind is the interaction of solar energy and water vapour in the atmosphere, wind power is a type of solar power, but the same could also be said of bio-fuels. Wind power generation has become one of the fastest growing segments of power companies is western North America. In combination, solar and wind power.

When discussing the advantages and disadvantages for installing wind power, especially in the case of residential wind power, you need to consider that some neighbours will be offended by the tower you construct – be sure to let them know about your plans for a wind power generator if you live in anything like an urban environment. Learn everything you can about home wind power so that when they ask you how exactly does wind power work, you’ll be able to tell them.

Like most renewable types of power, a mechanical device is used with moving parts to capture wind energy. However, most mechanical devices are similarly inefficient as non-moving devices and they are more prone to breakage. That’s one of the disadvantages of wind or water power in comparison to solar panels that, for the most part, don’t move at all.

However, what is an advantage of wind power is the tremendous amount of wind there is in some locations. River valleys and gorges can be quite gusty, while seaside locations tend to be windy all the time with occasional storms. Another advantage is that AC power is generated and you can use a transformer to step the voltage up and down.

When designing a Wind Power system, you’ll want to figure out the size and type and size of wind power generators you can afford as well as what your energy requirements are. You will likely find yourself supplementing power you either generate or take from the grid supply. On the other hand, some are able to generate enough power to sell the extra back to the power company.

The next most expensive of the wind power products you’ll need is a mast. The turbine needs to be high enough to get over any nearby roofs and surface clutter to capture higher and steadier winds. You’ll want to consult wind power graphs to determine the response of your wind generator to various wind speeds. Generally the mast height is a trade off of maximum response and keeping it from snapping in extreme weather.

The Southwest US has been an early adopter of wind power as well as solar since there’s so much of it in those environments. Also, the population is, generally speaking, spread out enough that there were still plenty of ranches that never gave up using wind-powered pumps to keep the cattle and sheep watered. Companies such as Enbridge wind power are making wind power a commercial reality.