Suntricity Power

Wind generators are devices that generate electrical energy using the energy of the wind. Traditionally, these generators have been wind turbines–devices with a propeller connected to an electric generator which is further connected to charge batteries.

Wind generators work in the same way as other generators with the exception that they use the power of the wind. The basic parts of a generator are the electric generator, the blades, or propeller, and the batteries. When the propeller spins, it makes the coils within the generator also spin. Inside an electric generator, there is a coil are magnetic wires. Around the cylinder of a generator are magnets. When the magnetic wires spin, they create a variation in the magnetic field within the generator. This variation in magnetic field ultimately results to the movement of electric charge in the wires connected to the generator. Moving electric charges is simple called electricity.

Wind generators vary in the amount of electricity they produce. This depends primarily n the size of the generators and the power of the wind used by the generators. Large power companies use multiple generators in order to supply power. Their wind generators can reach tens and maybe hundreds of meters high. They use a series of generators in order to produce up to megawatts of electricity.

For home-use wind generators, however, 2000 Watts of electricity per month is already a fairly large amount. This already requires quite a lot of money and a large setup. Smaller generators which produce 700-1000 watts are easier and cost less to make. They do, however, require some skill since quite a lot of woodwork and metalwork are needed.

Gentle winds (5 to 15 miles per hour) are more common in most locations that strong winds. The power generated by wind generators increase by a factor of eight (8) as the speed of the wind increases. Height is also a major factor for the amount of power generated. Higher towers are of course exposed to stronger winds so the height basically determines wind strength. Putting a wind generator on a short tower or a low place can be compared to putting a solar panel in the shade. Another factor is the size of the rotors. The power harvested from generators go up by up to a factor of four (4) when the rotor size increases.

To further increase power output, more wind generators, just like in wind farms can be used. The generators can be attached to a common set of charge batteries to speed up charging. Voltage can be increased using a step-up transformer.

Wind power has been a popular source of electricity in the world nowadays. In 2008, the nameplate capacity, or the maximum output of a generating source, worldwide was 12.1 gigawatts, which constitutes 1.5% of the electricity used around the world. This power output has also been constantly increasing. Since 2005, the power output from wind energy has doubled. Also, more and more countries are trying to make use of this renewable energy as a substitute to conventional power generating systems.