What is a Wind Turbine?
A wind turbine is a device that uses wind energy to produce electricity. A wind turbine turns the kinetic energy in the wind into electrical energy. Wind turbines are the main viable alternative to fossil fuels and nuclear power in the UK for grid generation. Wind power has the potential to replace currently existing generating technologies which cause a wide range of environmental problems. Wind power does not contribute to global warming or acid rain, and does not create a hazardous waste storage problem. Wind turbines can either take the form of giant turbines that are operated by the major power companies or they can be used by individual households/businesses for the micro generation of electricity.
Wind Energy Explained
Wind energy is a freely available, and plentiful, resource in the United Kingdom. The physics of wind power dictate that wind power is proportional to the velocity of the wind cubed. If the velocity is doubled, the power increases by a factor of eight. Even a small increase in wind speed substantially boosts the power in the wind.
For example:
Consider the power available at one site with a wind speed of 10 (units don’t matter) and another more exposed site with a wind speed of 12. The wind at the more exposed site is only 20% greater, yet there is 70% more power available. Few people would ever consider placing a solar panel in the shade and expecting it to work. Yet, it’s surprising how many people try the equivalent with a wind turbine.
Wind Turbine Products
The wind turbines we use are technologically advanced, very reliable and need little maintenance. We offer a range of turbine structures to suit our customers’ differing requirements (guyed lattice towers, tilt-up towers or self-supporting towers) as well as a range of rotor sizes (and therefore energy outputs of 2.5kW, 6kW & 15kW). We are committed to providing our customers with good advice based on a thorough appraisal of their proposed site by our fully-qualified installation specialists.
A government grant is available to subsidise the cost of installation of wind turbines, please ask for details.
Please phone 0845 2575064 or email Ecofirst for a quote.
