03-09-2015 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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What Size Wind Turbine Turbines used in residential applica- DO I NP.ed? tions can range in size from 400 watts The size of the wind turbine you need to 100 kW(100 kW for very large depends on your application.Small loads),depending on the amount of turbines range in size from 20 watts electricity you want to generate.For to 100 kilowatts(kW).The smaller or �idential applications,you should "micro"(20-to 500-watt)turbines are establish an energy budget to help used in a variety of applications such define the turbine size you will need. as charging batteries for recreational Because energy efficiency is usually vehicles and sailboats. less expensive than energy produc- tion,making your house more energy One-to 10-kW turbines can be used in efficient first will probably be more appiications such as pumping water. cost effective and will reduce the size Wind energy has been used for centu- of the wind turbine you need(see ries to pump water and grind grain. How Can I Make My Home More Although mechanical windmills still Energy Effiaent?).Wind turbine provide a sensible,low-mst option �anufacturers can help you size for pumping water in low-wind areas, your system based on your electricity farmers and ranchers are finding that needs and the specifics of local wind wind-electric pumping is a little more pattems. versatile and they can pump twice the volume for the same initial A typical home uses approximately investment.In addition,mechanical 10,000 kilowatt-hours(kWh)of elec- windmills must be placed directly ��ty per year(about 830 kWh per above the well,which may not take �►onth).Depending on the average the best advantage of available wind �d speed in the area,a wind tur- resources.Wind-electric pumping bine rated in the range of 5 to 15 kW systems can be placed where the wind �'ould be required to make a signifi- resource is the best and connected to cant mntribution to this demand.A the pump motor with an electric cable. 1.5-kW wind turbine will meet the needs of a home requiring 300 kWh per month in a locarion with a 14- This 1-kW Whisper mile-per-hour(6.26-meters-per-sec- turbine provides ond)annual average wind speed.The direct AC power for manufacturer can rovide ou with the water pump for ` P y stock hnks on a the expected annual energy output ranch in Wheeler, of the turbine as a function of annual Texas. average wind speed.The manufac- turer will also pmvide information on the maximum wind speed at which . . the turbine is designed to operate safely.Most turbines have automatic overspeed-goveming systems to keep the rotor from spinning out of mntrol in very high winds.This information, along with your local wind speed and � your energy budget,will help you decide which size turbine will best � meet your electricity needs. z .R �