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Domestic Wind Turbines

Frequently Asked Questions                                                


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The correct placement of a WINDSPOT wind turbine is as important as the wind available. There are some important considerations that should be taken into account:


The ground: Normally, the highest point has the best winds, although areas around a river, valleys, large hills or mountains and large wooded areas can affect the available wind resource.
Obstructions: Obstructions are considered to be any obstacle that interferes with the direction of the wind, affecting its direction and speed. The most common are houses and trees. Generally it is recommended to install the tower 10 meters higher than the tallest obstacle around and at a distance more than twice the height of the obstacle. For example, if you have a house 5 meters tall and a tree 7 meters tall near where you want to install your WINDSPOT 3,5, it would be necessary to put it at a height of 17 meters (7 m from the tallest obstacle + 10 m) and 10 meters from the house (5 x 2) and 14 meters from the tree (7 x 2).
Predominant winds: It is important to know from where the strongest and most frequent winds originate in the area where you want to install your WINDSPOT 3.5. To the extent possible, that direction should be free from obstructions. To know this information, it is usual to resort to studies carried out with an anemometer that measure the direction and speed of the wind in a specific time period. This forms what are called "wind roses". Below is an example of these wind roses in the same place, but one in summer and another in winter. As can be appreciated, they are completely different, for which a detailed study of the electricity demand in both stations will be very useful.

La siguiente tabla muestra, de manera aproximada, qué aerogenerador es el más apropiado para una instalación determinada, en función del viento y los consumos eléctricos. Como referencia, una casa normal consume unos 4000 kWh anualmente, mientras que un gran consumidor puede rondar los 6000 o 8000 kWh.

En cuanto a las velocidades del viento, una media de 5 m/s puede considerarse suficiente para instalar un aerogenerador.

Propósito > Potencia requerida:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ahorrar energía  > 1.5 ó 3.5 kw
Autoabastecimiento para casa normal > 3.5 ó 7.5 kw
Autoabastecimiento para casa con alto consumo de electricidad > 7.5 ó 15 kw
Ahorro de energía para pequeña empresa o granja > 1.5, 3.5, 7.5 ó 15 kW
In theory a wind turbine works better the fewer obstacles there are in the direction of wind flow, albeit at a sufficient distance, buildings, trees and other obstacles have hardly any influence on the wind generator’s performance.

A wind turbine should be situated at double the height of any obstacles very close to it and higher than obstacles between ten and twenty meters from the tower.
WINDSPOT wind turbines have been designed for silence, as their rated speed is between 200 and 250 rpm depending on the model.  Considering their height they would be virtually imperceptible by anybody standing at their base.

And, the relatively slow rotation compared to current small wind turbines on the market, increases performance and durability and reduces the mechanical loads supported by the components.
It is unlikely that a bird could hit the blades of a small wind turbine such as a WINDSPOT, which rotates at low revolutions (between 200 and 250 rpm depending on the model) and they are not situated at the height at which migratory birds travel.
Yes, wind turbines may be used for heating water. You only have to connect the controller outlet to an electrical heater.  It needs to be taken into account that energy consumption in heating is usually significantly higher than that of electricity so larger equipment will be necessary.
Small wind turbines can be connected to the grid.  To do this you need to use an inverter which is compatible with the grid and the installation needs to be approved by the local electricity company, who will require that it complies with legislation and will provide a connection point to the grid.
Small wind turbines can be connected to the grid.  To do this you need to use an inverter which is compatible with the grid and the installation needs to be approved by the local electricity company, who will require that it complies with legislation and will provide a connection point to the grid.

Our wind turbines are designed to last for more than twenty years.  This is due to their robust design, the quality of their materials and their anti-corrosion treatments. They also have a totally sealed design which prevents dust and other particles from penetrating the system. 

All of the above means that our design does not deteriorate even in the aggressive atmospheres typical of locations near the sea.
Small wind turbines are the perfect option for private individuals, communities or small companies who want to generate their own energy.  The characteristics of the site (average wind speed, location and topography) shall determine the size and type of generator to be used in each case.
The wind speed will be influenced by the local topography and nearby obstacles such as trees and buildings. Wind circulation can vary a great deal and there can be a great deal of turbulence so when in doubt the best thing to do is to contact small wind turbine installation professionals.

Usually, with a measurement of 5 m/s it is worth installing a low power wind generator.
Broadly speaking, a wind turbine works as follows:
The blades use wind thrust to generate a torque in the generator. This, depending on the speed of rotation and the force exercised by the blades on their axle, will generate the electricity which will reach the controller and the inverter. These electrical components convert the current, continuously, to charge batteries or alternating, to inject the energy generated to the grid.
The tower height can vary considerably depending on the type of wind turbine and the wind at the site. Generally, low power wind turbine towers vary between 10 and 25 meters.  The taller the tower the more wind is available and it will be more constant.

The diameter of the wind turbines also need to be considered to determine the total height of the system, which usually varies between 1.5 and 10 meters.
It might be necessary to obtain a licence to install a small wind turbine. This often depends on the height of the tower, the particular autonomous region or the country of installation. If in doubt, consult a professional or the competent body for each case.
The structural parts of our wind turbines are made from stainless steel and aluminium and the blades and other components from copper, plastic, polyester resin and fibreglass.
All parts are appropriately anti-corrosion protected, either by hot dip galvanization or other surface treatments which provide an adequate level of protection even in salty atmospheres.

And all the equipment is leak-tight to prevent water, dust or any type of substance entering the interior and thus ensure that the electrical components are safe and well protected.


 
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