Photo by Xiaocong Yan

Originally Posted On: https://www.haliburtonsolarandwind.com/go-off-grid-with-wind-how-wind-turbines-work-to-help-you-save-money/

 

Are you considering using wind to power your home or business? Do you want to know how wind turbines work? This article will inform you of all the ins and outs.

Depending on where you live or travel, you have likely seen collections of giant, tall, white wind turbines turning in sync somewhere along the way. Due to their height, they are visible from miles away and they are quite a sight to see.

Many countries around the world are using wind power to harness nature for local human benefit. People who drive by them often wonder how wind turbines work. The rotation of these gigantic windmills creates electricity, and this renewable energy is added to the power grid.

These wind turbines have only been popular in Canada for a few decades, but as people have become more interested in sustainability, they have become more numerous and noticeable.

As a result, many people are beginning to wonder how they can use wind power to their own advantage to help them power their homes and the things that they use in their everyday lives.

If you are someone who is interested in using wind power on your own property, read on to learn more.

How Wind Turbines Work: Large Wind Turbines

Many people wonder how wind turbines work. They are actually rather simple machines.

Even though a large wind turbine’s blades are massive, they are designed with aerodynamics in mind. As a result, with only a bit of wind, these giant propellers will begin turning and they will stay turning as long as the breeze continues.

The blades are connected to a rotor and as they turn, a shaft attached to the rotor turns as well. That rotor spins a generator, and the generator converts the kinetic energy, or movement energy, into stored, potential energy that can be used in other ways.

Today, Canada has over three hundred wind farms. From 2009 to 2019, it was Canada’s fastest-growing form of energy generation and with a focus on sustainability, our country continues to focus on this and other forms of renewable energy. Right now, there is enough wind energy being generated in Canada to power over three million Canadian homes.

Small Wind Turbines

Small wind turbines work in much the same way as the large-scale wind turbines, except they are far smaller. Large wind turbines’ blades can be as long as a soccer field, but small, home wind turbines are usually only about three meters in diameter or less.

As you might imagine, smaller wind turbines have a much lower output of energy than their giant counterparts. However, they still work hard and flow with the wind, and as a result, a single smaller wind turbine can often generate enough energy to power a home or small business.

Location, Location, Location

Because wind turbines create energy as a result of spinning in the wind, the best place to place them is in an area that gets a lot of wind on a regular basis.

You will often see large wind turbines at the tops of hills or mountains or placed in groups across a wide-open plain. The companies that set up these wind turbines do a great deal of research before construction to determine the best and most effective place for them

If you are going to install a small wind turbine on your property to generate power for your home or business, you will want to do the same type of research beforehand.

If your home is surrounded by tall trees, wind power might not be right for your property. However, if you notice a frequent and consistent breeze on most days, a small windmill could be a great investment for you.

Remember, your windmill will not be at ground level but rather at the top of a tall pole; there may be more wind above you than you ever feel or notice at ground level, so keep that in mind when making your decision and planning.

Should I Buy a Home Wind Turbine?

There are many factors to consider when it comes to deciding whether a small wind turbine is right for you and for your home or business. You will want to think about all of them before making your purchase.

Wind

First and foremost, as explained above, the most important factor in the equation is wind. If the wind only blows near you when there is a storm, an investment in a wind turbine may not be worth it. It could take many years for your investment to pay for itself, let alone before you will see any real savings on your electric bill.

Fortunately, any reputable wind turbine dealer will be happy to come to your property to do a site assessment for you to find out if your property is a good candidate for wind power.

Cost

The cost of even small wind turbines can vary greatly based on how much power you hope to generate. As you might imagine, the higher the power capacity, the higher the cost of the turbine.

In addition to the turbine itself, you will also need to invest in other components such as the pole, cables, and installation. When you get a quote from a company, make sure that you understand what is included in the quote and whether or not there will be other, additional costs.

Zoning

Depending on where you live, you may need to get permission to construct a windmill on your property. Your area may have a limit on the height of structures, and if that limit is lower than you might like, this could be a potential obstacle to capturing the benefits of the wind.

Harness the Wind

A small wind turbine can be a great investment for the right property. On a windy site, after a short time, the turbine will pay for itself and then you will subsequently enjoy savings on your home or small business electric bill for years to come. It’s certainly something to consider.

Now that you know how wind turbines work and other valuable information about them, what are you waiting for? If you live in Ontario, we would love to answer your questions and then, get you started on the way. Contact us today! We can’t wait to hear from you.