Wind
power involves converting wind energy
into electricity by using wind turbines,
also called wind chargers. Wind power
is converted into electricity by magnets moving past
stationary coils of wire known as the stator. As the
magnets pass the stator, AC electricity
is produced. It is then converted into DC
electricity which can be used to charge
batteries which store the electrical energy
or can also be fed into a grid interactive
inverter for feeding power into the electricity
grid. Modern wind turbines fall into two basic groups;
the horizontal-axis variety, like
the traditional farm windmills used for pumping water,
and the vertical-axis design, like
the eggbeater-style Darrieus model. Most large modern
wind turbines are horizontal-axis turbines.
Prior to planning a wind installation you should
study meteorological information pertaining to your
area. In Australia this is available from the Bureau
of Meteorology.
The average wind speed needs to be above 5m/s (18km
per hour) to make installing a wind turbine worthwhile.
Your wind installation site should be:
• free from obstructions in the direction of
the prevailing wind
• as elevated as possible
• safe from spectator contact
• in an area that receives wind often enough
for benefit to the power system
Ideal locations for wind turbines are in the country,
on farms, or on the coast, basically anywhere away
from built-up areas. For a marine situation wind power
can be particularly well-suited. Wind generators fitted
to yachts or other marine craft generally are in uninterrupted
air flow and generate good amounts of electricity
from a compact glass free source.
Many people in regional Australia are looking at various
ways to generate electricity from sources other than
the generator. The wind is one of the most evident
sources of natural energy.
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