Wind-Energy-FAQs
- Will a Micro Wind Turbine provide a complete off-grid permanent electricity source?
- Can a Micro Wind Turbine provide off-grid backup as well as Grid Connection?
- Which Solution is Better for Wind Turbine- Off-Grid or Grid-Connection?
- Will a micro wind turbine provide enough electricity for my entire building?
- Are all Micro Wind Turbine Noisey?
- Will All Micro Wind Turbine Kill Birds & Bats?
- Should I install a Micro Wind Turbine on the gables of my property?
- Should I attach a Micro Wind Turbine to the flat roof of my building?
- How much space do I need to install a Micro Wind Turbine?
- How long will a Micro Wind Turbine Last?
- Are there any planning problems associated with micro wind turbine installation?
- Are Micro Wind Turbines expensive?
Will Micro Wind Turbines provide a complete off-grid permanent electricity source?
The simple answer is YES. The more detailed answer is as follows:- To produce wind energy, wind does not blow consistently at all times, therefore an off-grid property utilising wind as a sole energy source would use a battery system for the times that there is insuficient wind. When the wind is driving the turbine energy would be used and excess energy would be stored in the batteries. Many properties use a large amount of electricity - if you need help working out whether micro wind turbines are the solution contact our consultants.Can Micro Wind Turbines provide off-grid backup as well as Grid Connection?
The simple answer is NO. The more detailed answer is as follows:- The legislation in Europe and North America states that any Wind Turbine providing electrical input to a building that is already supplied by Grid Electricity must shut down during a blackout. Although this seems illogical, the current legislation is based upon protecting the Grid. Of course an off-grid property will keep on working regardless of a Grid Blackout. It is currently a question of choosing whether you seek Wind Turbines to be a separate backup system or part of your overall system linked to the National Grid - if you need help working out whether micro wind turbines are the solution contact our consultants.
Which Solution is Better for Wind Turbines- Off Grid or Grid-Connection?
There is no simple yes or no answer to this question. Connecting a micro wind turbine to your current electrical system means that your turbine will supply free electricity to your property and you can sell excess electricity to the National Grid. The downside is that if the National Grid fails - Grid and Wind Turbine electricity will both cut off. We can discuss and help guide you through the best form of wind energy.
Connecting a micro wind turbine to an Off-Grid system means that you have a permanent electrical supply regardless of what is happening to the National Electrical Grid. This is because electricity is stored in batteries on-site. Similarly, a back-up system would provide electricity if the National Grid failed.
If you need help working out whether micro wind turbines are the solution contact our consultants.
Will a micro wind turbine provide enough electricity for my entire building?
The simple answer is YES. The more detailed answer is as follows: - All buildings have different energy requirements based on what you use electricity to power.For example, if your property is heated by electricity, is badly insulated and you utilise a lot of equipment that is "thirsty" for electricity, then certainly you will need a substantial number of wind turbines to provide your total energy requirements.
Conversely, if your property is highly insultated, uses low-energy equipment and utilises eco heating/cooling technology one micro wind turbine may provide all the electricity you need.
Are all Micro Wind Turbines Noisey?
The simple answer is NO. The new Vortex Style Micro Wind Turbines are very quiet in their operation. If Noise is an issue for you, then choose a Vortex Micro Wind Turbine.
Traditional Propellor Micro Wind Turbines do make a certain amount of noise. Whilst this noise level is low, very sensitive people in very quiet surroundings may object to the noise. Most traffic noise, conversations, lawnmowers/trimmers provide far greater noise problems than any micro wind turbine.
Will All Micro Wind Turbines Kill Birds & Bats?
The simple answer is NO. The more detailed answer is as follows:- If you want a micro wind turbine to produce wind energy that will not harm any birds or bats - choose a Vortex Style Micro Wind Turbine.
It is worth remembering that the major threat to birds and bats in urban/industrial settings remains the domesticated cat. The next major threat to birds and bats is often glass in windows and doors. Right down on the lower scale after many other threats to birds and bats is the Traditional Properllor Style Wind Turbine.
In short, a Vortex Style Micro Wind Turbines will not harm birds or bats at all. There is a very small risk to birds and bats from using a Traditional Propellor Micro Wind Turbine.
Should I install a Micro Wind Turbine on the gables of my property?
The simple answer is NO. The more detailed answer is as follows:- Wind circulating around obstacles such as buildings can cause turbulence. Turbulence can lead to resonance.
Every object including a building has what is known as a "resonance frequency". A sound wave matching this frequency can cause a structure to vibrate itself to pieces. Man has known about the destructive power of resonant frequencies for thousands of years since bringing down the walls of Jericho in the Bible.
As modern bridges span larger gaps and skyscrapers reach increasing heights, resonance testing prior to construction, has become standard practice for megastructures. That said, few low-rise buildings have been designed to withstand potentially damaging resonance. Whilst eco-nex support the general use of micro wind power generation, we would suggest that you consult a competent building engineer before attaching a micro wind turbine to your property in this manner.
Should I attach a Micro Wind Turbine to the flat roof of my building?
The simple answer is YES, PROVIDING THAT YOU USE A VORTEX STYLE MICRO WIND TURBINE AND NOT A PROPELLOR STYLE MICRO WIND TURBINE. Propellor Style Micro Wind Turbines may lead to vibration problems for your building structure. See "Should I install a Micro Wind Turbine on the gables of my property" for further details.
A Vortex Style Micro Wind Turbine is designed to run at lower wind speeds. It is therefore designed specifically for urban/industrial settings such as flat roofs. Turbulent winds circulating around inner cities can be directly translated into different waveforms to power such generators.
How much space do I need to install a Micro Wind Turbine?
There is no simple yes or no answer to this question. This depends upon how much electricity you need to generate via wind energy, what type of space you have available to install a micro wind turbine, and whether you prefer the Propellor or the Vortex style of micro wind turbine.
The traditional "propellor" style of turbine requires approximately a 7m Radius around the turbine for safety reasons. Given clear surroundings for this type of turbine, up to 5kW of energy can be produced for a building. This form of turbine works best on higher, windier ground with few large objects such as buildings or tall trees obscuring the path of the wind.
Alternatively, the "Vortex" style of turbine works very well in urban or extreme settings. The Vortex shape of the turbine is ideally suited to very low or very high windspeeds that can be highly turbulent. Whilst average power outputs are lower than "propellor" style turbines, the energy produced is often more consistent.
Vortex style turbines occupy a small footprint. If placed vertically on poles, towers or masts, there are minimal clearance requirements as vibration is minimal. Placed on flat rooftops, in a horizontal position, Vortex style turbines can be stacked in cages to provide multiple power packs.
How long will a Micro Wind Turbine Last?
The simple answer is this depends on which make and model you choose, but most Micro Wind Turbines are built to last 10 years before any serious maintenance. At eco-nex we supply all the main forms of micro wind turbine, from low-spec mass-produced Propellor syle turbines to high-spec Vortex style turbines.Ther highest-spec Vortex Micro Wind Turbines that we can provide to you, are built to survive absolute extremes. They are currently installed in Polar Regions, fierce Oceans and burning Deserts.
Like everything in life, the higher spec that you require, including substantial guarantees and warranties will cost more. We can also supply DIY low-spec turbines that have been produced en-masse at very reasonable prices.
Can I choose the colour of my Micro Wind Turbine?
The simple answer is YES. Vortex style micro wind turbines can be made in very exciting colours and styles. Micro wind energy is becoming so popular that we can now design fabulous turbines that will match your company colours, blend with their surroundings or provide a bold statement.Of course we also provide standard low-spech propellor turbines in any colour as long as it is white.
Are there any planning problems associated with micro wind turbine installation?
This is simple answer is as follows:- Vertical Propellor/Vortex style turbine on short mast - NO
- Vertical Propellor/Vortex style turbine on tall mast - YES
- Horizontal Vortex style on flat roof - NO
In principle, local government planning officers look very favourably upon any form of micro power generation. If in doubt, always consult the local planning officer. These people are generally very helpful and can provide very useful advice.
Most buyers of micro wind turbines are expecting their turbine to be operational for decades,; so spending a short time working to make sure you have the support of your local government and/or neighbouring property owners is generally a sound investment of your time.
There will always be a few Not In My Back Yards (NIMBYS). That said, you will find that nearly 90% of people on average will support your use of wind energy generation. It is far more likely that you will be asked by local planning officers and neighbouring property owners where they too can purchase a wind turbine? Ask our sales team about the referal scheme and start making an additional revenue opportunity from your micro wind turbines.
Are Micro Wind Turbines expensive?
The simple answer to this question is NO. For a more detailed understanding of Return On Investment (ROI) click here.Sustainable Resources for the 21st Century,
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