Wind is plentiful in the U.K. but as most people will recognise it is very much a variable commodity – with the electricity generated at any given time directly dependent on wind strength.

When it comes to harnessing wind energy, the UK is ideally placed as we receive approximately 40% of all Europe’s wind. Unfortunately, however nothing is straight forward and there are many factors that need to be considered before choosing wind energy as a viable and effective alternative energy source for the domestic user.

Wind is plentiful in the U.K. but as most people will recognise it is a very variable commodity – with the electricity generated at any given time directly dependent on wind strength.

The level of available power also constantly varies as the wind gusts and the wind speed ebbs and flows. Turbulence also causes problems and a loss of efficiency. Furthermore, obstacles such as buildings, trees and hills cause the wind to be deflected and to ‘swirl’. This swirling considerably reduces the amount of energy that can be extracted. To get the best out of a wind turbine it should be sited in an open area with as little obstruction as possible – such as on the coast or on a hill top.

Harnessing Wind Power

New technologies mean that energy can be extracted using wind generation with installation far easier and cost-effective than ever before. DIY stores are now offering ‘off-the-shelf’ wind turbines. However before rushing out and purchasing one, it’s sensible to stop and consider for a minute whether such a system is the right choice for you and your circumstances.

Even though wind energy is free, the installation cost is still significant and the financial benefit depends on the amount of energy you will be able to extract and offset against the installation cost. It may be that other forms of alternative energy (e.g. Solar Power), represents a better investment and solution. Some of the key issues to consider are covered below.

Wind Power

The power that is available from wind is proportional to the cube of the wind speed. This means that if the wind speed doubles, the potential power goes up by a factor of 8. However, it also means that if the wind speed halves, only an eighth of the previous power is now available.

The accompanying diagram shows a typical power curve. As illustrated, there is not very much power available until a reasonable wind speed of say 10 mph is reached, but at 25 mph a wind turbine really starts to deliver some power. At higher speeds even more power is available but there is a danger that if an attempt is made to extract the power we run the risk of actually damaging the wind turbine. This is the reason why wind turbines have a designed maximum operational limit.

In turn, wind turbines come in a variety of sizes and designs. However, they fundamentally consist of the same elements, namely:

  • Rotor Blades (usually 2 or 3 blades).
  • A gearbox (necessary to ‘gear up’ and turn a generator at a speed which will produce electricity).
  • A generator to produce the electricity.

Grants

Unfortunately as of 06.00 am Monday 24th May 2010, the Low Carbon Building Programme (LCBP) was closed to all new applications.

If you would like to find out more please contact us today on
+44 (0) 8714 333 333 to discuss your requirements and to find out more about our Wind Energy technology services.

Related Links

The Micropower Council
The Microgeneration Certificate Scheme
REAL Assurance Scheme