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Sonoma County Rooftop Resource Inc.
| Rooftop Wind Turbines: Rooftop wind turbines are smaller, roof mounted versions of standard wind turbines. Wind turbines have been in use for over 2000 years now. Originally wind turbines were used to harness the power of wind to operate grinding mills, the modernization of wind turbines to create electrical power began sometime in the early 20th century. Wind turbines generally consist of three parts: Rotor: The rotor is the blade shaped wind catchment. Wind moves past the rotor causing the rotor to turn. Shaft: The turbine shaft is essentially the linkage that transfers the kinetic energy of the turning rotor to the electrical generator. Generator: The generator consists of an outer ring of magnets and an inner conductor (typically coiled wire). Wind creates kinetic energy by spinning the rotor on the turbine assembly. This kinetic energy is simultaneously transferred to the generator by the spinning shaft. The generator then uses Electromagnetic Induction to create useable energy. A typical rooftop wind turbine has a power output of up to 1.25-1.66kW generating up to 2000kWh annually depending on site variables and turbine used(1). An average American household consumes approximately 10,000 kWh annually(2). Installing a rooftop wind turbine can yield up to a 20% savings to the consumer when site variables are correct. Rooftop wind turbines are best suited for rural or sub-urban areas. The loss of wind power due to interference created by structures or existing trees makes it an unpractical application for urban or moderately populated areas at this time. 1-www.renewabledevices.com-www.windslave.com-www.airbreeze.com 2-www.howstuffworks.com |