Wind Turbines
A wind turbine converts energy from the wind into electricity. The wind turns the blades on the turbine and this creates mechanical energy which is converted to electricity using an electrical generator.
Wind turbines can work well in Ireland due to the strong Atlantic winds. Turbines would only be suitable for rural locations as they work best on sites where the flow of wind is relatively clean with no obstacles. Domestic turbines generally do not need planning permission however a professional installer will be able to give you further guidance in this area. In general, the longer the blades the more electricity the turbine should deliver. The height above ground level has a large effect on the power generated with higher turbines delivering greater power. Various tower/mast structures are available to allow for the different types of terrain on a site. The cost of these can vary significantly depending on individual site conditions.
The electricity that is generated can be stored in batteries and then converted for use in your house when required. A system where excess electricity generated from domestic turbines can be fed into the main national electricity grid is now in place (contact the Electricity Supply Board for further details).Like other renewable forms of energy Wind Turbines can save you money on home running costs, improve your Building Energy Rating and help the environment by reducing Carbon emissions.
Unless you are connected to the grid, the power generated from Wind Turbines and stored in the batteries is best suited to low voltage applications in your home such as running lights, central heating pumps, fridges etc. The house should be wired by a professional to make best use of the power available in the batteries and avoid placing heavy loads on them from appliances such as kettles and electric showers which would require a more costly battery system.
It is a difficult task to quantify costs, savings and payback from Wind Turbines as this is a very site specific item and will also depend on the type of equipment installed. Aratedhome.ie would recommend that you consult with professional installers in your area and they can provide you with personal site specific advice. Wind Turbine systems are often paired in a Hybrid system with Solar PV generators. The two products working in tandem will provide more of your electricity requirements. When the wind isn’t blowing the solar panels may be working. On a stormy day when the panels might not be working well the turbine can be spinning away. On days where they both produce electricity a charge controller will prevent the batteries from being overcharged and damaged.
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