Home Wind Turbine Kits [Reviews and Guide]

Introduction:

There are several factors that you take into account when purchasing and installing a home wind turbine. Apart from determining the power capacity, price, and types, another aspect that you should understand relates to the different essential parts of the wind turbine system. Home wind turbine kits consist of crucial equipment that helps in generating renewable electricity for your home. If you want to know the different components of home wind turbines, then this write-up is entirely for you.

Essential Components of Home Wind Turbine System:

A home wind turbine kit typically comprises a generator, rotor, wiring, tower, and controllers, among many others, which we will discuss in detail below.

Wind Turbine: We can divide home wind turbines into two categories, namely, vertical axis and horizontal axis. These days, the most frequently utilize wind turbine is the horizontal axis. Horizontal axis wind turbines generally consist of two or three blades. Vertical axis wind turbines, on the other hand, comprised of two kinds, namely, Darrieus and Savonius. The former has vertical blades and appears like an eggbeater. You can recognize the latter by its S-shaped design.  

The size of the rotor will determine the amount of electric power a horizontal axis turbine will generate. It is the frame of the turbine that holds the rotor along with the tail and generator. The function of the tail is to keep the turbine faced towards the wind.

Tower: Another essential part of a home wind turbine is the tower or pole. It is worth noting that the speed of the wind increases with height. As such, the amount of power generated will increase as the height of the tower or pole rises. The tower will also reduce any obstructions caused by trees, hills, or buildings. The accepted norm is that the height of the tower should be at least nine meters above any obstacles.

A small investment in increasing the height of the tower can significantly increase the production of electricity. Generally, there are two kinds of poles, namely, guyed tower and free-standing tower. The former is less expensive than the latter, and you can easily install this type of tower. Nevertheless, guyed towers require a significant amount of free space for the installation. Tilt-down towers are not budget-friendly, but this kind of tower provides straightforward maintenance for the users. You can also lower this type of tower during unpleasant weather conditions such as a storm or hurricane. Many dealers offer home wind turbine kits with several options for towers. As such, you should select it based on your needs.

Balance of System: It is another essential part of a home wind turbine. Even this component will also depend much on your application. Many manufacturers of home wind turbines will offer a package that consists of all the necessary parts needed for your use. For instance, the required components for water pumping will considerably vary from the essential parts for grid-connected applications or residential. Similarly, the gear needed for the balance will also depend on factors such as whether the system is a part of hybrid or grid-connected. The balance of system can comprise an inverter, battery, controller, and wiring, among others, for a home grid-connected purpose. However, you should ensure that these parts are authentic certified by a renowned testing agency.

Batteries and Charge Controller: If you are opting for an off-grid system, then your home wind turbine will need batteries for storing excess power produced by your device. It will also require a charge controller to protect the cells from overcharging. It would be best if you do not opt for automotive batteries as they are suitable for a renewable energy system. The best choice will be deep-cycle batteries, which can recharge and discharge 80 percent of its capacity.

You should note that a home wind turbine produces direct current electricity, and direct current appliances function straightforwardly off the batteries for small systems. However, if you would like to use tools that make use of alternating current, then you should consider installing an inverter. The inverter will convert the direct current to alternating current, stored in the batteries. The inverter can lower the effectiveness of the system to some extent. Nevertheless, it will allow your home to use alternating current.

To ensure safety, you should always place the batteries away from the living areas. Cells contain explosive and corrosive substances, which can cause severe accidents. Besides, store it at a suitable temperature.

Inverters for on-grid: If you are opting for a grid-connected system, then the inverter is an essential component for your home wind turbine. For this system, you will not need batteries.        

Conclusion:

The above-listed points are some essential parts included in home wind turbine kits. To ensure that your home wind turbine generates an adequate amount of electric power, you should consider all these equipment beforehand.