How to Use Wind to Generate Electricity

Lightweight towers make it easy for two people to erect most wind turbines.

Wind power has provided a source of renewable, clean energy for hundreds of years. According to the National Atlas website, wind turbines generate about 1 percent of all U.S. electricity. Many property owners deploy small wind systems to generate electricity for properties connected to the grid or completely off-grid properties. Wind power systems do require more maintenance than other renewable energy systems, such as solar or micro-hydro power systems.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator
• Wind energy kit

Instructions

1. Check the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) wind resource map for your site location (see Resources). According to the DOE, a small wind turbine requires minimum wind speeds of 9 miles per hour to make a wind turbine cost-effective. Go to the local building code department to find out the building codes for installing wind turbines. Some codes require a licensed electrician to wire the power station. Find out if the project requires a permit.

2. Calculate the number of kilowatt hours of electricity you want the system to produce. Gather electricity bills from the last year. Add the kilowatt hour (kWh) usage for each month and divide by 12. This figure represents the average monthly kWh. Divide the monthly average kWH by 30 to obtain the average number of kilowatt hours used each day.

3. Calculate what percentage of the average daily kWh you want to generate by wind. The wind turbine must have the capacity to produce this number of kWh daily.

4. Research the systems available and their components. Consider factors such as production, durability and the manufacturers' reputations. Compare warranties and price. Focus on the monthly or annual output numbers for comparing different systems. Determine your budget for the system. Purchase a wind turbine kit, which includes basic parts needed to construct the system, including a tower, tower base generator, rotors and other components.

5. Assemble the generator. This may only involve the installation of propellers. Attach the wind generator or turbine to the tower in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Consult the installation manual for making adjustments to ensure the proper positioning of the propellers. Place the tower on the highest land available.

6. Construct the tower on a day when the weather is calm. Most specifications require the tower to extend a minimum of 30 feet higher than the nearest building or other structure. Follow the instructions for constructing the tower base. Assemble the tower on the ground.

7. Refer to the electrical diagram to wire the turbine. Avoid connecting the wire backwards, which could damage the circuits of the generator. Raise the tower into place and secure the structure.

References

• Homepower Magazine; Wind Electric Systems Simplified; Ian Woofenden; January 2006
• National Atlas: Renewable Energy Sources in the United States
• Harbor Freight Tools; Tower Installation; Southwest Wind Power
• All Small Wind Turbines: AirX Turbine Owner's Manual

Resources

• U.S. Department of Energy: U.S. Wind Resource Map