Wind Turbine

Prowetod

Firstly I am a newbie when it comes to wind turbines. I am looking into the possibility of purchasing a wind turbine for domestic use.

Does anyone have any previous experience in purchasing a turbine? and what would your advice be.

I have done a small bit of research, some of the companies in Ireland that sell turbines are offering prices of over 30k. Is this the typical price?

heinbloed

The break-even point where energy input into the manufacturing, errecting of a wind generator equals it's output in kW is at a size of 100kWp(100kW potential). Investing in anything less/smaller is a waste of money,energy. Ask for a written statement from the seller/manufacturer concerning this matter and you'll see them back out. They have the answer but aren't willing to share the knowledge,bad for bussiness.IF you get an answer from them to this question please let us know.

baldieman

The first issue is your site, are you near the cost? or better still, can you see the sea from your house? an elevated coastal site has far more potential energy than most inland sites. You also need to be well away from, or well above any trees or buildings. Unless your hands on or handy, the pay back is going to be a long time.

Doctor_L

Hi,

I have written some articles on this.

First of all you should measure wind speeds for at least 1 year at your proposed site. I am using a weather station to do this

http://www.irishsilicon.com/2008/04/upperchurch-weather-station.html

After that consider the turbines and our climate.

http://www.irishsilicon.com/2008/04/wind-turbine-considerations-fo.html

3rd - Use rotor diameter and wind swept area calculations to determine your output, not the manufactured data.

I have a spreadsheet that does that.

Regards

Liam

heinbloed

You have to think about the situation of boiling the water in the tank as well. If this happens the tank might explode, it needs a valve to let out the steam before pressure builds up. 1ml of water will turn into 1l of steam, so make sure such a system has it's safety features checked and maintained by a competent engineer.Evaporating water will leave a residue of lime stone and other sediments at the point /surface of evaporation, standard pressure valves might get clogged up. Get a specialist to design such a system. Using electricity to heat water is a waste of energy, no matter where the electricity came from. Especially when this heated water has to be stored before final consumption.The major enviromentantal/financial problem with small windgenerators is that the energy which goes into manufacturing and sales/errection will never be recouped in a standard situation where a grid connection is present.Ask the sales staff for a calculation sheet on the issue.

The Ring Man

Hi eoccork
I am also considering purchasing a wind turbine .I would like to hear from anyone who already got one .There would appear to be a lot of new companys selling turbines around €30-€35,000 ,

eoccork wrote: »

Firstly I am a newbie when it comes to wind turbines. I am looking into the possibility of purchasing a wind turbine for domestic use.

Does anyone have any previous experience in purchasing a turbine? and what would your advice be.

I have done a small bit of research, some of the companies in Ireland that sell turbines are offering prices of over 30k. Is this the typical price?

saibhne

Hi Ecocork,
Check out www.ardnashee.com this is Quentin Gargan's place in Bantry where he runs courses on sustainability for people looking at installing various renewables into their homes. He has a 3Kw Proven Wind Turbine, PV, microhydro and solar thermal operating in the house which is made from strawbale to boot..

Courses are half day affairs and you get the reality of living with renewables from the horses mouth.. well worth a visit.

Cheers,

S.

Doctor_L

I have priced turbines from several suppliers. They tend to fall in the price bracket of 12 - 20k for a 3- 5 kw grid tied system

30K plus sounds expensive unless it is a very large turbine