THE ANSWER IS BLOWIN' IN THE WIND
(Page 2 of 10)
November/December 1973
By James B. DeKorne
VOLTS, AMPS AND WATTS
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The three most important units of electrical measurement which concern us are: volts, amps and watts ... and the first two are often confused
The easiest way to remember the difference between amps and volts is to think of amps as "current" which is measured in much the same way as the volume of water in a pipe. And, if amps are volume, then volts can be thought of as "pressure" or the amount of push behind the volume of water. This is an important distinction: There's a world of difference between the flow of a swift mountain brook (high voltage, low amperage), and the flow of sluggish water in a large, slow-moving river (high amperage, low voltage). The analogy is not perfect but it gives you the idea.
Obviously, the relationship between amps and volts is very important ... and the combination of the two when multiplied together is the total amount of electricity available. This total is measured in watts. Volts times amps, in other words, equals watts. The very first thing that should concern us when we consider the installation of a wind generator is: HOW MANY WATTS DOES IT PRODUCE?
WATTS ARE THE KEY
The answer to the question: do wind generators offer a valid solution to the electrical needs of folks concerned about pollution, the energy crisis and self-sufficiency—then—hinges on the number of watts required by the user.. A 200-watt generator might well serve a couple living simply in a small dome or one-room cabin, but would hardly be adequate for a family homestead which wants electric lights plus a deepfreeze, arc-welder and power tools.
The easiest way to visualize the output of any given generator is to imagine the number of 100-watt bulbs it will fully light at one time. A 200-watt generator will handle two 100-watt bulbs; a 3,000-watt unit will simultaneously power thirty 100-watt bulbs. To find out how much capacity you need, just add up the total wattage of all of the light bulbs and appliances you plan to use ... and tack on a few more for good measure.
WHAT DOES THE MARKET OFFER?
What kinds of wind generators are available today and where can a person get one which will fulfill his energy requirements? There are three ways to go:[1] you can buy a new wind generator, [2] you can buy a used one, or [3] you can build one yourself from automobile components.
Since Wincharger ceased production of its high-wattage machines, and Jacobs went out of business entirely, the only source I know of for a new wind generator that produces more than 1,000 watts is the Quirk's Company in Australia.
I recently (three months ago) wrote airmail to Quirk's and requested information on their machine (I even enclosed return postage and offered to pay for any data they might send). To date, I've received no reply ... so it appears that the firm is not overly interested in the U.S. market. Henry Clews—of East Holden, Maine—is said to be the American agent for this wind generator. I wrote to him at the same time I sent a letter to the Australian firm and, again, have received no reply. It's beginning to look as if the Quirk's machine is not easily obtainable in the States.
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