There are many ways in which transforming wind into energy can be beneficial, as wind is used for a variety of purposes and activities.
We shall now explore a range of wind energy factors, including how wind can be fun and how to use this wind to your own advantage.
Wind energy has existed since life on our planet began, it is currently used in recreation and industry.
It is believe that the Egyptians were the first to successfully harness wind and turn it into energy, and achieved this through the use of sails. This is still used today, however mainly within the yacht industry.
Wind surfing is a form of this, and many other recreational activities have taken advantage of the wind as a great natural energy source.
In the past, farmers founded the great technique of using the wind to grind their corn into flour. These are the old traditional windmills and they were able to serve a great purpose in supporting generations before us.
The latest industrial use of the wind has been seen in the increasing introduction of wind generators over the last 30 years or so.
How to transform wind energy into a form of electrical power is a fairly simple process and works on the same principle as most power production techniques.
In order to generate wind power you need to be able to capture energy from the force of the wind.
This is done usually through the use of a wind generator with a propeller blade type design.
The propeller design is common in horizontal wind generators, as the less popular design of vertical wind generators use a different method to capture wind energy.
Once you have the capability of capturing the winds energy, this harnessed energy can be used to drive turbines, attached to a generator, which enables the generator to produce power.
So there is a basic understanding of how to turn wind energy into power.
Before purchasing small wind generators for your home or business, you should consider the surrounding environment of the placement location, and if it meets the requirements for a wind generator installation to be cost effective and efficient.
Wind speeds vary a great deal, depending on your surroundings. For example, if you live in an estate (collection of compact houses), the power from the wind is usually weaker than in the middle of a field in the countryside.
If you live in the countryside, and are surrounded by many fields and open spaces, then the average wind speed approaching your home may be more powerful than inner town or city locations.
Another factor to consider is the way the land around you lies.
If there are any large hills or mountains close by, then the placement of wind generators may not be your best option.
Wind generators require a substantial wind speed to generate electricity efficiently. The faster the wind, the more output in watts you can generate (but you cannot go over your turbines capacity.)
If there is a forest or collection of trees nearby, then you may decide to opt for a different means of renewable energy such as solar, or geothermal power due to a possible poor wind speed.
Before purchasing any turbines, you should consider researching and maybe even hiring a professional to do a survey on the surrounding area, to determine if a wind generator would be economically viable in your surrounding area.
If the surrounding area is fit to generate power from the wind, you may wish to go and purchase a wind generator (like the one below), and choose where you plan to install it.
Many people suggest attaching small home turbines on a pole in a well exposed area, to harness the majority of the winds force.
Once installed in an open space, above any large objects, make sure your turbine is facing the most common wind direction. Some wind generators are able to adjust themselves to face the position of the wind.
It is important that you receive expert advice when planning to purchase a wind generator, as some may not be suitable for your requirements. A wind generator supplier may be able to help you with this process.
An electrician may be able to hook the turbine up to your power supply to provide your home with an extra boost in electricity, reducing the amount of power you use from your electricity provider.
Wind generator placement is one of the key factors as to whether or not your project will be efficient.
Some people combine wind energy technologies with solar, and/or geothermal energy systems in a bid to provide a greater level of efficiency in various scenarios.
It is advisable that you always consult a renewable energy professional installation firm before any project goes ahead. Look out for no obligation, free quotes, as these could be of use to you.