Electrification
The next step in the development of wind energy was electrification.
Until the late nineteenth century, all windmills produced only mechanical power for pumping or grinding. With the emergence of electricity, designers and engineers quickly recognized that windmills could be attached to electric generators and that the power they produced could be used for heating and lighting.
The first windmill used to generate electricity on a large scale was built in 1888 by Charles F. Brush (1849–1929) in Cleveland, Ohio. Its rotor, which consisted of 144 blades, was almost 56 feet (17 meters) in diameter. The rotor includes the hub and the blades that are attached to it. Brush's major technical challenge was to find a way for the windmill's rotor to produce the 500 revolutions per minute he needed for the generator to operate. Brush designed a step-up gearbox (a series of parts that transmitted motion from one part of the machinery to another) in a fifty-to-one ratio. This meant that for every turn of the rotor, the operational parts of the generator turned 50 times. During the 20 years it was in operation, the Brush machine produced about 12 kilowatts of power, which Brush stored in batteries in his nearby mansion.
From 1890 to 1930 the windmill industry in the United States boomed. Spurring the boom was the prominent place given to electric windmills at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, where they were used to generate power to light the fairgrounds after dark. Electric lights were not common in 1893 homes; most still used gaslights. So people were amazed that a cheap source of power could make this new marvel available to them, even if they lived out in the country. However, the windmill industry soon collapsed after the U.S .Rural Electrification Administration, or REA, was established. This government program was one of many created to help the nation overcome the effects of the Great Depression (1929–1941). The REA provided partial federal funding for electricity to homes and farms in rural areas, much of it produced by hydroelectric dams. If these hard to-reach places could now get inexpensive electrical service from the government, then they no longer needed windmill-generated power.
Decline and revival
From the 1930s to the 1970s in the United States coal and oil remained relatively inexpensive, and little interest was shown in harnessing the wind to meet the need for electricity. In Russia, however, a 100-kilowatt wind generator was built in Balaclava in 1931. Mounted on a tower 100 feet (33meters) high, the rotor was 100 feet in diameter and produced power when the wind speed exceeded 25 miles (40 kilometers) per hour. The wind generator supplied this energy to a steam power station 20miles (32 kilometers) away. The turbine did not last very long because the blades were made of old roofing metal and the gears were made of wood. During one year of operation, however, the wind generator produced 279,000 kilowatt-hours of power.
From the mid-1930s until 1970 commercial-sized wind generators were built in Denmark, England, Germany, and France. These countries were left with shortages of fossil fuels and most everything else because of the destruction left by World War II (1939– 1945). The development of wind power in Europe filled some of the need for electricity that was not being filled by fossil fuels. In Denmark, for example, a 200-kilowatt wind generator was built and operated until the early 1960s. Denmark led the way in wind power generation in terms of the percentage of electricity that was wind generated, about 20 percent.
Although Europe was leading the way, the largest commercial grade wind generator was located on Grandpa's Knob, a 2,000- foot-high (610 meters) hill near Rutland, Vermont. It was called the Smith-Putnam wind turbine after its designer, Palmer C. Putnam, and the company that provided the money to build it, the S. Morgan Smith Company of New York. The generator was built over a two-year period beginning in 1939. The 175-foot-diameter (53 meters) rotor produced an enormous 1.25 megawatts of power during the four years it was in operation. The Smith- Putnam turbine stopped operating when metal fatigue caused some of the blades and bearings to break. Replacements could not be found because metals and other materials were being used by the military to build weapons to fight World War II. Although the Smith-Putnam turbine was not a long-term economic success, it was considered a technical success because it produced a lot of electrical power while it was working.
During the years following World War II, several wind energy designs were built and tested. In England the Enfield-Andreau wind turbine, built in St. Alban's in the 1950s, had a 79-foot (24 meters) rotor that produced 100 kilowatts of power. A unique feature of this turbine was that its hollow propeller blades acted as air pumps for transmitting power from the rotor to the generator.
In Denmark the Gedser wind turbine was built in 1957, and its 79-foot blades produced about 400,000 kilowatt-hours per year until the turbine was shut down in 1968. Also during the 1950s, two large machines were built in France. One produced 130 kilowatts and the other 300 kilowatts. In Germany the Hütters wind turbine achieved great efficiency by producing 100 kilowatts of power in only 18-mph (29 kph) winds. Earlier systems needed higher wind speeds.
During the 1970s it seemed as though the United States was ready to make the necessary investments to develop wind power. In 1973 the country was affected by the Arab oil embargo. Countries that normally sold oil to the United States were refusing to do so. This served as a warning to the nation that it was too dependent on foreign oil, which could be cut off at any moment. In 1974 the U.S. Federal Wind Energy Program was established. Over the next decade scientists from U.S. agencies such as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture built and tested at least thirteen different wind turbine designs, ranging in output from 1 kilowatt to 3.2 megawatts. Major efforts were made to develop more efficient rotor designs. Many of these designs were successful, and engineers learned to design better ones.
However, by the late 1980s it was becoming more and more difficult to attract funding for wind energy efforts. Many people remained unconvinced that wind power could ever provide more than small amounts of electricity for local use. Since that time research on wind technology has been conducted in the United States largely by the National Wind Technology Center near Boulder, Colorado.
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Electrificación
El paso siguiente en el desarrollo de la energía eólica fue la electrificación.
Hasta fines del siglo del siglo diecinueve, todos los molinos de viento producían solamente energía mecánica para bombear o moler. Con la aparición de la electricidad, los diseñadores e ingenieros reconocieron rápidamente que los molinos de viento podrían conectarse a los generadores eléctricos y que la energía que produjeran podría ser utilizada para la calefacción y la iluminación.
El primer molino de viento usado para generar electricidad en gran escala fue construido en 1888 por Charles F. Brush (1849-1929) en Cleveland, Ohio. Su rotor, que consistía de 144 aspas, era de casi 56 pies (17 metros) de diámetro. El rotor incluye el eje y las aspas que se colocan al mismo. El desafío técnico importante de Brush era encontrar una forma de que el rotor del molino de viento produjera las 500 revoluciones por minuto que él necesitaba para que el generador funcionara. Brush diseñó una caja de engranajes elevadora (una serie de piezas que transmitían el movimiento de una parte de la maquinaria hacia otra) en una relación de 50 a 1. Esto significaba que por cada vuelta del rotor, las piezas operacionales del generador giraban 50 veces. Durante los 20 años que estuvo en funcionamiento, la máquina de Brush produjo cerca de 12 kilovatios de energía, que Brush almacenó en baterías en su mansión próxima.
A partir la 1890 a 1930 la industria del molino de viento en los Estados Unidos tuvo gran crecimiento. El estímulo al auge era el lugar prominente dado a los molinos de viento eléctricos en la exposición mundial de Columbia en Chicago en 1893, donde fueron utilizados para generar energía para encender la luminaria al oscurecer. Las luces eléctricas no eran comunes en los hogares en 1893; donde la mayoría todavía usaba mecheros de gas. Por lo que la gente se sorprendió mucho por que una fuente barata de energía pudiera hacer disponible esta nueva maravilla para ellos, incluso si vivieran en las afueras en el campo. Sin embargo, la industria del molino de viento pronto se derrumbó después de que la administración rural de electrificación de los Estados Unidos, o REA, fuera establecida. Este programa gubernamental era uno de los muchos creados para ayudar a la nación para superar los efectos de la Gran Depresión (1929-1941). El REA proporcionó financiación federal parcial para la electrificación de los hogares y las granjas en las zonas rurales, mucha de la misma producida por presas hidroeléctricas. Si estos lugares difíciles de alcanzar podían ahora conseguir servicio eléctrico barato del gobierno, entonces no necesitarían más energía generada por molinos de viento.
Declinación y renacimiento
A partir de los años ‘30 a los años ‘70 en el carbón y el petróleo de Estados Unidos seguía siendo relativamente barato, y poco interés fue demostrado en el aprovechamiento del viento para cubrir la necesidad de la electricidad. En Rusia, sin embargo, un generador de viento de 100 kilovatios fue construido en Balaclava en 1931. Montado sobre una torre 100 pies (33meters) de alto, el rotor tenía 100 pies de diámetro y producía energía cuando la velocidad del viento excedía 25 millas (40 kilómetros) por hora. El generador de viento suministraba esta energía a una central eléctrica de vapor a 20 millas (32 kilómetros) de distancia. La turbina no duró mucho porque las aspas fueron hechas de metal viejo de material para techos y los engranajes fueron hechos de madera. Durante un año de operación, sin embargo, el generador eólico produjo 279.000 kilovatios-hora de energía.
A partir de los mediados de los años treinta hasta 1970 generadores de viento clasificados como comerciales fueron construidos en Dinamarca, Inglaterra, Alemania, y Francia. Estos países quedaron con escases de combustibles fósiles y la mayor parte de todo debido a la destrucción dejada por la Segunda Guerra Mundial (1939 - 1945). El desarrollo de la energía eólica en Europa llenó algo de la necesidad de electricidad que no era satisfecha por los combustibles fósiles. En Dinamarca, por ejemplo, un generador de viento de 200 kilovatios fue construido y funcionó hasta principios de los 60. Dinamarca lideró el camino en la generación de la energía eólica en términos de porcentaje de electricidad que era generada por el viento, el cerca de 20 por ciento.
Aunque Europa llevara la delantera, el generador de viento más grande en grado comercial fue situado en Grandpa's Knob, una colina de 2.000 pies de altura (610 metros) cerca de Rutland, Vermont. Fue llamada la turbina de viento Smith-Putnam debido a su diseñador, Palmer C. Putnam, y la compañía que proporcionó el dinero para construirlo, el S. Morgan Smith Company de Nueva York. El generador fue construido en un período de dos años comenzando en 1939. El rotor de 175 pies de diámetro (53 metros) produjo la enorme cantidad de 1.25 megavatios de energía durante los cuatro años que estuvo en funcionamiento. La turbina de Smith Putnam paró el funcionar cuando la fatiga de metal hizo que algunas de las aspas y de los cojinetes se rompieran. Los reemplazos no pudieron ser encontrados porque los metales y otros materiales eran utilizados por los militares para construir las armas para luchar en la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Aunque la turbina de Smith-Putnam no fuera un éxito económico de largo plazo, fue considerado un éxito técnico porque produjo mucha corriente eléctrica mientras que trabajó.
Durante los años que siguieron a la Segunda Guerra Mundial, varios diseños de dispositivos de energía eólica fueron construidos y probados. En Inglaterra la turbina de viento de Enfield-Andreau, construida en St. Alban en los años 50, tenía un rotor de 79 pies (24 metros) que producía 100 kilovatios de energía. Una característica única de esta turbina era que sus aspas de propulsión huecas actuaban como bombas de aire para transmitir energía del rotor al generador.
En Dinamarca la turbina de viento de Gedser fue construida en 1957, y sus aspas de 79 pies producían cerca de 400.000 kilovatios-hora por año hasta que la turbina fue cerrada en 1968. También durante los años 50, dos grandes máquinas fueron construidas en Francia. Una produjo 130 kilovatios y la otra 300 kilovatios. En Alemania la turbina de viento de Hütters alcanzó gran eficacia produciendo 100 kilovatios de energía en solamente 18 mph (29 kph) de vientos. Sistemas anteriores necesitaron velocidades de viento más elevadas.
Durante los años 70 parecía como si los Estados Unidos estuvieran listos para hacer las inversiones necesarias para desarrollar energía eólica. En 1973 el país fue afectado por el embargo petrolero árabe. Los países que normalmente vendían petróleo a los Estados Unidos dejaron de hacerlo. Esto sirvió como advertencia a la nación de que era demasiado dependiente del crudo extranjero, cuyo suministro se podría cortar en cualquier momento. En 1974 fue establecido el programa federal de la energía eólica de los E.E.U.U. Durante la década siguiente los científicos de las agencias de los E.E.U.U. tales como la NASA y el Ministerio de Agricultura de los E.E.U.U. construyeron y probaron por lo menos trece diseños diversos de turbinas de viento, variando en potencia de salida desde 1 kilovatio a 3.2 megavatios. Esfuerzos importantes fueron hechos para desarrollar diseños más eficientes del rotor. Muchos de estos diseños fueron acertados, y los ingenieros aprendieron a mejorarlos.
Sin embargo, a finales de los 80 se volvía cada vez más difícil atraer financiación para los esfuerzos por la energía eólica. Mucha gente seguía siendo escéptica de que la energía eólica podría proporcionar alguna vez más que pequeñas cantidades de electricidad para el uso local. Desde entonces la investigación sobre tecnología del viento ha sido conducida en los Estados Unidos en gran parte por el centro de tecnología nacional del viento cerca de Boulder, Colorado. |
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Outdoor Water Solutions Windmill Aeration System 20ft., Model# AWS0013
The Outdoor Water Solutions windmill aeration system kit can aerate ponds up to 2-3 acres and operates with winds as little as 3-5 miles per hour. U.S.A. Application: Aerate ponds up to 2-3 acres, Operation: Operates with winds as little as 3-5 miles per hour, Length (ft.): 20, Finish Type: Galvanized finish, Includes: Windmill, airstone aerator, 100 feet of 1/2 inch poly tubing, and foot valve, Includes (qty.): 1 Wind mill kit 100% electricity-free system can be located up to 1000 feet away from body of water System aerates pond from bottom up, reducing algae, bacteria and odor Adds oxygen and prevents pond stratification, preventing fish kills Aeration also keeps ponds from freezing over in the winter, aiding waterfowl hunting Windmills feature technology to reduce bearing fatigue and improve operation Further customization is possible with use of pond accessory kits (Item#s 339883 and 339887) [Read more]
Brand: Outdoor Water Solutions
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Outdoor Water Solutions Windmill Aeration System 16ft., Model# AWS0012
The Outdoor Water Solutions windmill aeration system kit can aerate ponds up to 2-3 acres and operates with winds as little as 3-5 miles per hour. U.S.A. Application: Aerate ponds up to 2-3 acres, Operation: Operates with winds as little as 3-5 miles per hour, Length (ft.): 16, Finish Type: Galvanized finish, Includes (qty.): Windmill, airstone aerator, 100 feet of 1/2 inch poly tubing, and foot valve 100% electricity-free system can be located up to 1000 feet away from body of water System aerates pond from bottom up, reducing algae, bacteria and odor Adds oxygen and prevents pond stratification, preventing fish kills Aeration also keeps ponds from freezing over in the winter, aiding waterfowl hunting Windmills feature technology to reduce bearing fatigue and improve operation Further customization is possible with use of pond accessory kits (Item#s 339883 and 339887) [Read more]
Brand: Outdoor Water Solutions
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Outdoor Water Solutions Ornamental Backyard Windmill 9ft.H, Galvanized Finish, Model# BYW0038
This Outdoor Water Solutions ornamental windmill is perfect for any setting. Tower with head stands 9ft. tall and makes a dramatic statement. U.S.A. Application: Ornamental windmill, Length (ft.): 9, Finish Type: Galvanized steel finish, Includes: Windmill kit Designed to same standards as full-scale windmills Can be converted to a working aerating windmill system for backyard landscape feature ponds with Backyard Aeration Conversion Kit, Item# 199647 Assembly required [Read more]
Brand: Outdoor Water Solutions
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Outdoor Water Solutions Ornamental Backyard Windmill 12ft.H, Red/White Finish, Model# BYW0005
This Outdoor Water Solutions ornamental windmill is perfect for any setting. Tower with head stands 12ft. tall and makes a dramatic statement. U.S.A. Application: Ornamental windmill, Length (ft.): 12, Finish Type: Red/white, Includes: Windmill kit Designed to same standards as full-scale windmills Can be converted to a working aerating windmill system for backyard landscape feature ponds with Backyard Aeration Conversion Kit, Item# 199647 Assembly required [Read more]
Brand: Outdoor Water Solutions
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Outdoor Water Solutions Ornamental Backyard Windmill 12ft.H, Galvanized Finish, Model# BYW0003
This Outdoor Water Solutions ornamental windmill is perfect for any setting. Tower with head stands 12ft. tall and makes a dramatic statement. U.S.A. Application: Ornamental windmill, Length (ft.): 12, Finish Type: Galvanized Steel Finish, Includes: 1 Windmill kit Designed to same standards as full-scale windmills Can be converted to a working aerating windmill system for backyard landscape feature ponds with Backyard Aeration Conversion Kit, Item# 199647 Assembly required [Read more]
Brand: Outdoor Water Solutions
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Outdoor Water Solutions Customized Windmill Aeration System 25ft. Telescoping Hinged Windmill, Model# TPW0022
This Outdoor Water Solutions wind-powered aeration system can aerate ponds up to 2-3 acres and operate with winds as little as 3-5 miles per hour. It features a powerful yet attractive 20ft. bronzed windmill. U.S.A. Application: Aerate ponds up to 2-3 acres, Operation: Operates with winds as little as 3-5 miles per hour, Length (ft.): 25 (telescoping), Includes: Windmill, airstone aerator, 100 feet of 1/2in. poly tubing, 50 feet of 1/2in. weighted air line, hose connector pack, windmill hinges and a foot valve, Includes (qty.): 1 Windmill Kit 100% electricity-free system can be located up to 1000 feet away from body of water System aerates pond from bottom up, reducing algae, bacteria and odor Adds oxygen and prevents pond stratification, preventing fish kills Aeration also keeps ponds from freezing over in the winter, aiding waterfowl hunting Windmill features technology to reduce bearing fatigue and improve operation [Read more]
Brand: Outdoor Water Solutions
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Outdoor Water Solutions Customized Windmill Aeration System 20ft. Bronzed Windmill, Model# PCW0021
This Outdoor Water Solutions wind-powered aeration system can aerate ponds up to 2-3 acres and operate with winds as little as 3-5 miles per hour. It features a powerful yet attractive 20ft. bronzed windmill. U.S.A. Application: Aerate ponds up to 2-3 acres, Operation: Operates with winds as little as 3-5 miles per hour, Length (ft.): 20, Finish Type: Bronzed, Includes: Windmill, airstone aerator, 100 feet of 1/2 inch poly tubing, 50 feet of 1/2 inch weighted air line, hose connector pack and one foot valve, Includes (qty.): 1 Windmill Kit 100% electricity-free system can be located up to 1000 feet away from body of water System aerates pond from bottom up, reducing algae, bacteria and odor Adds oxygen and prevents pond stratification, preventing fish kills Aeration also keeps ponds from freezing over in the winter, aiding waterfowl hunting Windmill features technology to reduce bearing fatigue and improve operation [Read more]
Brand: Outdoor Water Solutions
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Outdoor Water Solutions Backyard Windmill Red and White, 9-Foot, Model# BYW0059
The perfect ornamental windmill for any setting, this dramatic 9-foot tall windmill has an authentic four-leg tower design, a 1-pc. rotor head and an easy-anchor system. U.S.A. Application: Ornamental windmill, Length (ft.): 9, Finish Type: Red and white uv protective powder coating, Includes: Windmill Can be expanded with the Backyard Aeration Conversion Kit to aerate smaller ponds Assembly required [Read more]
Brand: Outdoor Water Solutions
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Outdoor Water Solutions Backyard Windmill Conversion Kit, Model# BYW0007
This Outdoor Water Solutions backyard windmill conversion kit converts an ornamental backyard windmill into a fully functional windmill for ornamental and/or koi ponds. U.S.A. Application: Converts an ornamental backyard windmill into a fully functional windmill for ornamental and/or koi ponds, Includes: Diaphragm compressor, air line, and airstone Aerates ponds up to 300 square feet at 2 1/2-3ft. depth [Read more]
Brand: Outdoor Water Solutions
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Ornamental Windmill is an Eye-Catching Replica of the Real Thing
Indicates wind direction! Add rural charm to your grounds. Authentic, built-to-scale windmill replica has smooth and silent ball bearing operation. Heavy gauge steel construction. Durable outdoor finish is aluminum color with red trim. Includes anchor stakes. 8 feet in height. 22in. Wheel Dimension. U.S.A. Application: Indicates wind direction, Length (ft.): 8, Finish Type: Aluminum color, Material Type: Heavy gauge steel, Wheel Diameter (in.): 22, Includes: 1 Ornamental windmill with anchor stakes [Read more]
Brand: Northern Tool and Equipment
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Mole Chaser Windmill Covers 100ft. Diameter
Eliminate moles quickly and easily without batteries or electricity. Wind powered lawn fan creates a constant vibration to effectively and humanely rid your yard of moles. Made of rust proof, zinc-plated steel. Requires 8 feet. of 1/2in. galvanized water pipe (not included). Stands 8ft. when connected to water pipe. Made in U.S.A. Windmill Size: 18in. Diameter blade 18in. Length/Depth [Read more]
Brand: Northern Tool and Equipment
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Sunforce Air X Wind Generator 24 Volt, Model# 44445
Use the wind to generate power and run your appliances and electronics. Great for cabins, battery charging, remote power, backup power and hobbyists. Delivers up to 400 Watts. U.S.A. Application: Appliances and electronics, Volts: 24, Watts: 400, Blade Material: Carbon fiber composite, Speed (MPH): 110, Blade Diameter (in.): 46, Material: Lightweight cast aluminum, Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 24 x 15 x 9, Overspeed/Overcrank Shutdown: Electronic torque control Delivers up to 400 Watts or 27 Amps in ideal conditions Carbon fiber composite blades ensure low wind noise Blades are 13in. Long and overall diameter is 46in. Patented high wind overspeed technology Lightweight cast aluminum body Integrated regulator automatically shuts down when batteries are charged to minimize wear Weatherproof, maintenance-free unit with only 2 moving parts Tower mounting kit Item# 339982 sold separately [Read more]
Brand: Southwest Wind Power
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Sunforce Air X Wind Generator 12 Volt, Model# 44444
Use the wind to generate power and run your appliances and electronics. Great for cabins, battery charging, remote power, backup power and hobbyists. Delivers up to 400 Watts. U.S.A. Application: Appliances and electronics, Volts: 12, Watts: 400 at 28 MPH, Blade Material: Carbon fiber composit, Speed (MPH): 110, Blade Diameter (in.): 46, Material: Lightweight cast aluminum body, Dimensions L x W x H (in.): 24 x 15 x 9, Overspeed/Overcrank Shutdown: Electronic torque control Delivers up to 400 Watts or 27 Amps in ideal conditions Patented high wind overspeed technology Lightweight cast aluminum body Integrated regulator automatically shuts down when batteries are charged to minimize wear Weatherproof, maintenance-free unit with only 2 moving parts Tower mounting kit Item# 339982 sold separately [Read more]
Brand: Sunforce
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Southwest WindPower Whisper 500 Wind Turbine, Model# 1-WH500-10-24
Power your entire home, cottage or shop with this ultra-quiet wind turbine that delivers an amazing 3000 Watts of power at 24 MPH! Includes controller to protect turbine. Tower kit not included (Item# 339989, sold separately). U.S.A. Application: Home, cottage or shop, Volts: 24, 32, 48 DC, Watts: 3000 @ 24 MPH, Blade Material: Carbon reinforced fiberglass, Speed (MPH): 120, Material: Welded steel powder coated, Rotor Size (ft.): 15, Overspeed/Overcrank Shutdown: Patented side furling Delivers 3000 Watts of power at 24 MPH Provides 538 kW per month in a 12 MPH average wind Works in winds as low as 7.5 MPH Adjusts from 24-48V DC; comes preset at 24V Includes controller to protect turbine Side-furling overspeed protection turns alternator and blades out of high winds without cutting power output 15-ft. dia. rotor has carbon reinforced fiberglass blades Alternator has steel body with powder-coat finish Uses 5in. Schedule 40 mount [Read more]
Brand: Southwest Wind Power
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Southwest Windpower Whisper 200 Wind Turbine, Model# 1-WH200L-10
Ultra-quiet wind turbine delivers 1000 Watts of power at 26 MPH. Includes controller to protect turbine. U.S.A. Volts: 12-48V DC, Watts: 1, 000 at 26 mph, Blade Material: Carbon reinforced fiberglass, Speed (MPH): 120, Material: Cast aluminum body, Rotor Size (ft.): 9, Overspeed/Overcrank Shutdown: Patented side furling Delivers 1000 Watts of power at 26 MPH Provides 158 kW per month in a 12 MPH average wind Works in winds as low as 7 MPH Voltage adjusts from 12-48V DC Includes controller to protect turbine Side-furling overspeed protection turns alternator and blades out of high winds without cutting power output 9-ft. dia. rotor has polypro/carbon glass reinforced blades Alternator has cast aluminum body Uses 2.5in. Schedule 40 mount [Read more]
Brand: Southwest Wind Power
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Amazing Science Experiments: Find out how things work: energy, wind, nature, ships, cars, cameras and computers
This is a bumper collection of 150 simple experiments and projects that explain a wide range of scientific facts and processes, and demonstrate how machines work. All the experiments have an important scientific learning point, but they are enjoyable to do and make science delightfully accessible. Every project or experiment is introduced, described and explained, and this background information not only enables the user to work confidently, but also provides a wealth of additional scientific insight for readers aged 8-12 years. [Read more]
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Biofuels, Solar and Wind as Renewable Energy Systems: Benefits and Risks
With shortages of fossil energy, especially oil and natural gas, and heavy biomass energy use occurring in both developed and developing countries, a major focus has developed ... [Read more]
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Wind Energy
Wind Energy [Read more]
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Skystream 3.7 Wind Turbine, Model# 44470
Turn your electric meter backwards! Skystream 3.7 wind turbine hooks up to your home to help you reduce or eliminate your monthly electricity costs. It is the first compact, user-friendly, all-inclusive wind generator (with controls and inverter built in) designed to generate quiet, clean electricity in very low winds. U.S.A. Application: Home, Volts: 120/240 VAC, Watts: 1.8kw, 2.4Kw peak at 20 mph, Blade Material: Fiberglass reinforced, Speed (MPH): 140, Rotor Size (ft.): 12, Overspeed/Overcrank Shutdown: Electronic stall regulation Delivers 1.8 kW rated; 2.4 kW peak power at 20 MPH wind speed Provides 400 kW per month in a 12 MPH average wind Works in winds as low as 8 MPH 120/240 VAC 50-60 Hz 12ft. dia. rotor has fiberglass reinforced blades Slotless permanent magnet brushless alternator Tower, Item# 339987, sold separately [Read more]
Brand: Southwest Wind Power
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Marine Wind Turbine - Model# 44446
Small turbine is designed for highly corrosive marine environments such as oceanside cabins and sailSmart microprocessor controller optimizes alternator output for best battery charging. Slows blade in high winds to eliminate noise. Application: Marine environments, Volts: 12, Watts: 400 at 28 MPH, Blade Material: Carbon fiber composit, Speed (MPH): 110, Blade Diameter (in.): 46, Material: Powder-coated cast aluminum body, Overspeed/Overcrank Shutdown: Electronic torque control Designed for highly corrosive marine environments Smart microprocessor controller that optimizes alternator output for efficient battery charging Electronically slows blade speed in high winds to eliminate buzzing noise Provides 38 kW per month in a 12 MPH average wind Works in winds as low as 7.5 MPH 46in. dia. rotor has variable-pitch carbon fiber blades Powder-coated cast aluminum body resists corrosion Maintenance-free with only 2 moving parts Brushless neodymium-based sealed alternator Survival wind spee... [Read more]
Brand: Southwest Wind Power
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Wind Energy - The Facts: A Guide to the Technology, Economics and Futu
Wind power is often held up as the most accessible and cost effective route to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and improving our energy independence, yet knowledge of what it offers is often clouded by myths and misunderstandings, which can hamper its adoption.This new book, the result of an ambitious project coordinated by the European Wind Energy Association, presents the facts about wind energy. It includes six sections discussing: technology; grid integration; economics of wind; industry and markets; environmental impacts; scenarios and targets.Contributions are drawn from nine leading research bodies across Europe, and the material is global in its scope. It is therefore an essential resource and reference for those whose work or study demands an in-depth examination of the subject, and for anyone who wants detailed, accurate and up-to-date information on this key energy source.Wind power is often held up as the most accessible and cost effective route to reducing our rel... [Read more]
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Southwest Windpower Whisper 100 Wind Turbine - 900 Watt, 12V-48V DC, Model# 44447
Ultra-quiet wind turbine is designed to operate in a site with medium to high wind speed averages of 12 MPH and greater. Provides 100+ kWh per month (3.4 kWh per day) in a 12 MPH average wind. The Whisper 100 is one of the quietest wind turbines ever tested by the National Renewable Energy Labs. Ideal for cabins, 12V battery charging, remote power and backup power. U.S.A. Application: Cabins, Volts: 12-48V DC, Watts: 900 at 28 MPH, Blade Material: Polypro/carbon glass reinforced blades, Speed (MPH): 120, Material: Cast aluminum body, Rotor Size (ft.): 7, Overspeed/Overcrank Shutdown: Patented side furling Rated power: 900 Watts of power at 28 MPH wind speed Delivers 100 kWh per month (3.4 kWh per day) in a 12 MPH average wind Works in winds as low as 7.5 MPH Adjusts from 12-48V DC in minutes Includes controller to protect turbine and storage batteries Side-furling overspeed protection turns alternator & blades out of high winds without cutting power output Survival wind speed: 1... [Read more]
Brand: Southwest Wind Power
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Introduction to Wind Energy Systems: Basics, Technology and Operation
Authors have tried to strike a balance between a short book chapter and a very detailed book for subject experts. There were three prime reasons behind doing so first, the ... [Read more]
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Wind Energy Information Guide
This guide is designed to help you search for information in the wind energy field, ranging from its history and technology basics to the latest in research and development. It is written to help several audiences, including engineers and scientists who may be unfamiliar with a particular aspect of wind energy, university researchers who are interested in this field, manufacturers who want to learn more about specific wind topics, librarians who provide information to their clients, and anyone else who is interested in knowing more about wind energy technologies. [Read more]
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