Wind Towers

Wind Towers are one of the most recognizable characteristics of a typical wind power generating turbine. In residential applications, they can also be the most controversial. The ensuring wind tower logistics turn many homeowners off on installing home or business wind power, though today’s wind towers can be made to blend very nicely with the local environment when used in conjunction with a quiet wind generator.

Tower construction is limited in many areas, but there are typically no restrictions where a power company might want to put them. As such, a large amount of the commercially available renewable power is wind generated, second only to vast hydroelectric dams.

The commercial design of wind turbine towers uses very large towers that are able produce megawatts of power each. Because the blades used are so large, wind turbine towers have to be even larger. This adds a great deal to the cost of such industrial wind tower systems, because the component transport is so incredibly expensive for such big parts. The transportation of commercial wind towers can account for nearly a quarter of the materials cost.

Moving residential wind towers is not nearly so expensive because the components can break down and fit into a car or truck. However tall they are, the wind towers used in residential applications are also subject to concerns of aesthetics. As such, your typical telescoping wind tower kit is as slender as it can reliably be while providing enough support to safely use the wind turbine.

Tower foundation designs are an important consideration, because such masts must be very carefully and firmly attached to a solid base. Among new wind generator tower concepts are the vertical or eggbeater designs that can use a much smaller tower. These Darrieus wind tower designs are less efficient, but can be used in very turbulent winds or even on the ground.

The type of wind generator you use will greatly influence your tower design. Generally, smaller turbines on slim towers are most commonly used by homeowners and make a fine first wind turbine. Tower designs can be very complicated, and making this first step as easy as possible will make it a lot easier to get into making your own renewable power with a minimum of fuss. Systems that work right the first time will not only provide a positive out come to build upon, but may also go a long way toward convincing your neighbours what a great idea it is.