A wind turbine is simply a windmill that has an advanced aerodynamic design. It is connected to an electricity generator and used in wind power installations. Wind power is being produced and consumed all the time and theoretically, the amount of energy produced thus, would be sufficient to meet world energy requirements.
A wind turbine is a rotating machine that converts kinetic energy in wind into mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical energy.
Complete wind turbine kits are available for domestic and commercial use. The primary components of the kit depend on the axis on which the turbine rotates-horizontal or vertical. Horizontal axis wind turbines have the main rotor shaft and electricity generator on the top of a tower and must be pointed to the wind. The vertical axis wind turbines have the main rotor shaft arranged vertically- this does not necessitate its being pointed in the direction of the wind, and comes in handy in places where wind direction changes all the time.
Wind turbine kits are alternative sources of renewable energy besides being eco-friendly. These are available in single or three-phases, with wattage ranging from 12W to 5KW. Also becoming increasingly popular are home wind turbine kits which can produce adequate amounts of electricity for the home.
The key components of a wind turbine kit are: a turbine-generally a hard-blade rotor that rotates; a rigging kit on which the turbine is fitted-this is the tall tower that has to be sturdy and well-anchored; a few meters of cable that runs between the turbine and the regulator; a regulator that ensures that the battery is charged correctly and safely; a battery; an inverter that turns DC current into AC current: and finally an instruction booklet that details step-by-step assembling of the wind turbine.
It is important to keep in mind a few points while assembling and installing wind turbines. Firstly, the tower has to be firm and strongly attached to the ground. While fixing the turbine the direction of the wind has to be kept in mind, and also its height which must be at least 30 ft. above any obstruction. The swept area, which is the area covered by the windmill’s blades during a rotation, must be substantial to be able to generate adequate amounts of power. Finally the distance between the generator and the batteries must be minimal.
The markets are flooded with wind turbine kits of various sizes and different price ranges to suit customer requirements.
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