Installing and Maintaining a Small Wind Electric System

If you are considering installing a small wind electric system at home or on your property, you may be wondering how you can install one. If so, there are a few factors to consider before you get started. First, determine how much wind your property has and what type wind system you require. Next, you will need to consider the zoning requirements and permit requirements. Finally, you’ll want to plan for the financial aspects of your system.

Installation

Installation and maintenance are an important part of running a small wind electric system. Like most other moving parts and spinning objects, wind generators require regular attention to ensure their optimum performance. Ideally, you should maintain your small wind electric system at least twice a year, more frequently if you live in a region with a good wind resource. Routine maintenance can help extend the life of your small electric system.

You must inspect your small wind electric system carefully to ensure it is operating as intended. You should inspect all wires and components for corrosion, ground faults, tight connections, and other issues. Batteries may require more frequent monitoring and inspections. It is a good idea to consult with your installer about the maintenance needs of your system, and make sure that all staff members are trained and aware of the risks associated with this type of installation.

Inspecting

You must be careful not to damage turbines when inspecting small wind electric systems. Operators should follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid this. There are many tools that can be used to assist with turbine maintenance. One of these tools, the iAuditor, tracks voltage and current, allowing you to pinpoint problems quickly.

The traditional inspection method involves stopping a wind turbine in its six o’clock position. To check the blade’s soundness, operators would then move to the six o’clock position.

Zoning

A zoning permit is required before installing a small-scale wind electric system. You need a zoning permit for the equipment, the land where it will be installed, and any setback requirements. To be approved, small wind electric systems must meet certain criteria. They must not exceed 100 kilowatts in power and only be used on-site.

If the area where you plan to install your wind turbine is not flat, you will need to conduct a topographic evaluation. This assessment should include the location of the proposed wind turbine, and the shape and length of any landforms. In addition, you will need to consider nearby influences, including trees, buildings, and large objects up to a mile away.

Permitting

There are many requirements involved in obtaining a permit for a small wind energy system. These include compatibility with overhead utility lines and contigency with property. They must also be located at least twenty feet from a building or property line and be protected from unintentional collision with power lines. In addition, wind turbines must have an automatic braking, governing, and feathering system to ensure that they do not cause excessive noise. Before obtaining a permit, an applicant must submit the following documents to the Whiting Planning Board:

These regulations are in addition to the one-time inspection, installation, and management fee that small wind energy system owners must pay to the City. This fee covers the City’s costs and time in reviewing and appraising the initial installation and inspecting the site periodically. This fee will be higher if the wind tower is higher than twenty feet.

Cost

If you’ve been considering setting up a small wind electric system for your home, there are several factors to consider. First, find out what the average wind speed is in your area. A single wind turbine won’t produce enough energy if the wind speed is too low. Also, you’ll have to pay for additional wiring that can increase the overall cost of the system.

Next, think about your maintenance requirements. Unless you’re a mechanically-inclined person, you may need to hire someone to come in and service your wind turbines. You may be unable to do the maintenance work yourself or if you are ill or busy. However, it can take some time to find a qualified technician.

The size of the turbine

There are a number of factors to consider when deciding on the size of turbine for a small wind electric system. One of these is the location of the turbine’s installation. A wind turbine works best in a remote area, away from buildings and other obstructions. The location must also be at least five m from highways and other roads.

The amount of electricity you use will determine the size of your turbine. A typical home wind electric system will produce anywhere from twenty to 100 kilowatts of electricity. These smaller turbines are sometimes called micro-turbines. They are ideal for charging batteries on recreational vehicles and sailboats.

Size of the rotor

Size of rotor for small wind electric systems is dependent on the amount of wind that is blown into it. A rotor 80m in diameter (262 feet) would need a wind field greater than 5 000 square meters, or more than one-third mile. The rotor, frame, and tail are the three main components of a turbine. The turbine’s largest component is the rotor. The frame and tail help to direct the turbine into the wind.

Wind turbine technology has improved dramatically since the mid-eighties, and the size of rotors reflects this progress. In the mid-eighties, the smallest turbines in use had a diameter of only a few meters, but they were quickly replaced by machines with a rotor diameter of over one hundred meters!