You need all of the necessary components to have a functional system
System Components
The wind generator (or “turbine”) is only one component in a wind-electric system, and very often is not even the most expensive component. You need all of the necessary components to have a functional system. Plan ahead to buy quality components properly matched to each other and to your energy use. A complete wind-electric system includes:
• Turbine-generates electricity using the wind’s energy
• Tower-supports the turbine, getting it up out of the turbulent zone created by trees and buildings, and exposes the turbine to much more “fuel”
• Wiring and conduit-carries the electricity down the tower and to power-conditioning equipment
• Controller/Electronics-controls charging of battery or input to inverter
• Batteries-used for storage in off-grid systems or grid-tied systems with battery backup
• Inverter-converts direct current (DC) electricity from batteries or rectifier to alternating current (AC) for home use or “storage” on the utility grid
• Metering-allows user to understand and manage system operation.
If you want to look further into the possibilities of residential wind power, please click the highlighted link. You’ll find resources, such as books on home wind power, home solar systems, DIY kits for both and smaller solar products for around the home, such as garden lighting and more. Also you’ll find pages on Tax grants and government rebates, and then many interesting alternative energy articles.
Tomorrow, for part 2 we’ll delve into what a swept area is. Please check back.