More On Wind Generators and Home Wind Power

(Page 3 of 3)

July/August 1975
By James B. Dekorne 
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Offhand, I can think of only three drawbacks to a vertical axis wind generator of this sort:

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[1] The device could pose a serious safety hazard, similar to the dangers presented by trying to live with a revved-up helicopter in your backyard. Anyone--small children in particular, and even livestock-who encountered the whirling blades (which are not that easy to see when they're moving rapidly) would almost certainly be tower, so it can't take advantage of the more powerful [2]currents above ground level. While such a generator could be mounted on the roof of a house, the resulting vibration and noise would soon drive the building's inhabitants batty. And
[3], the aesthetics of the gizmo leave something to be, desired it's a pretty weird-looking contraption to haw., whirring away on the ole homestead. We're used to seeing "windmills" on the farm, not giant eggbeaters!

None of these objections, however, have anything to do with the device's performance as a producer of electricity if what I hear about the vertical-axis design is true, it sound like an inexpensive and efficient unit.

Whether you buy a used Jacobs or Wincharger, a new Dunlite or Elektro, construct your own from surplus aircraft or automotive components, or wait around for someone to manufacture a newly designed high wattage generator at reasonable price, the most important bit of information I ca, offer is: Before you devote a lot of time, energy, and money to any wind electric system, be sure you gather accurate data on the average winds in your area. I didn't and I'm suffer in the consequences.

If you have a less-than-10-mph windspeed, I'd advise you to think of other ways to get your electricity. I eventually determined that the breezes in our area blow somewhere between 8 and 10 mph which really isn't enough provide continuous power to our storage batteries during periods of low (or no) wind. Don't let your enthusiasm for as: alternative power source blind you to the realities of nature', laws. The old saw is true, and it really hits learn it firsthand: There ain't no free lunch!

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Comments

  • Sadick 8/21/2007 3:12:12 AM

    hi there could u plz send me step by step instructions as to how to
    go about in building a wind generator i am currently busy with a
    project, its my last subject at cape tech and i have to build a
    wind generator thank you very much it would be well appreciated if
    u could send me these instructions and information. Truth is i
    wanna use your info as a guideline to building my own wind
    generator thank you very much regards Sadick

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