Wind generators: design, principle of operation

The technologies for generating alternative energy have long been developed by the largest companies around the world. Selected European countries provide for savings opportunities through the introduction of similar developments in energy networks in the coming years. One of the most promising areas of this field is wind power, which is not so popular in comparison with solar batteries, but it has its advantages. In particular, wind generators for a house are characterized by the efficiency of energy production and absolute environmental harmlessness in operation.

Wind Turbine Generator

The structure of the household wind power plant includes an electric generator and a turbine, which is installed on a special mast with extensions and untwisted blades. To process the energy received, a battery charge controller connected to the batteries is provided. As a rule, non-serviceable components of 24 V are used as power elements. Also in the design is provided an inverter that is connected to the power grid. A more complex device is possessed by industrial wind generators, representing a whole complex of equipment. We can say that these are full-fledged stations, including a power cabinet with control elements, communication interchanges, electric generators, wind speed monitoring systems, blades control devices, fire extinguishing means, lightning protection and other components.

Principle of operation

Any wind generator works on the principles of energy conversion. Rotation of active components (blades or rotors) generates lifting and impulsive forces, due to which the flywheel also comes into play. In the process of unwinding the flywheel, the rotor forms a magnetic field on the immovable part of the installation. As a result, electric current begins to flow to the wires. Such a model is common and applies to virtually all stations of this type. Another thing is that in practice, wind generators can be subject to adjustments due to weather conditions. Although the developers of the designs of the same blades tend to maximally provide for different indicators and the forces of the wind, this phenomenon is unpredictable and can be accompanied by many other factors.

Installed power

At this stage of the development of the region it is early to speak of standardized formats for the output of such aggregates, but certain regularities in the indicators of the main characteristics are traced. For example, the capacity of a wind generator for domestic needs is usually not more than 100 kW. Strange as it may seem, the models providing up to 1 kW are in demand, such installations are referred to as micro-power engineering. They are used in equipping yachts, agricultural farms, etc.

More serious industrial and commercial equipment is produced not so many companies, but the capacity of such installations can reach 5 MW. As a rule, these are massive turbines, the mass of which reaches several tons. At the same time, manufacturers are trying to make the equipment mobile, or at least provide for the possibility of transportation. If we talk about models for home use, in most cases it is wind generators at 220V, the total power of which can be about 4 kW.

Features of small wind generators

This class of equipment is of the greatest interest from commercial companies and ordinary consumers interested in using wind energy. Installations of this type have a standard design including blades, rotor, turbines, means of orientation, a generator with a mast, an inverter and batteries. The features of such devices include independence from central power grids - this means that small wind generators for the house can work in an autonomous mode. This format of exploitation is most attractive for owners of suburban real estate, where there is no stable supply from the central power grid. In addition, the creators of such installations in some models seek to combine the concept of a wind generator and a solar battery. As a result, the household mini-station is equipped with a DC module for communication with solar panels.

Varieties of generators

The principal separation of such installations led to a classification along the rotation axes. In particular, there is a vertical wind generator and its horizontal analogue of the wing type. Units of the first group are sensitive to rushes and do not need special orientation. However, similar models have a serious drawback - in comparison with horizontal installations, their working surface is half the size. That is, the vertical rotor axis of rotation of turbines is better oriented to the characteristics of the wind, but initially provides a smaller amount of energy.

In turn, the winged models with a horizontally directed axis are able to interact with wind currents of a larger area. Of course, there is a problem with the direction of the working elements, but this problem is solved with the help of a conventional weathervane. Accordingly, on a set of advantages, the vane installations are currently more promising than the vertical carousel type wind generator. However, the designs are being improved, and it is possible that the middle will come to the fore between these options.

Manufacturers of wind generators

The market of wind generators is taken by European and Chinese manufacturers. In particular, the greatest success is shown by the Danish company Vestas, as well as Chinese producers Goldwind and Sinovel.

As for domestic enterprises, they also have something to brag about. In the market, for example, models are available from Sapsan-Energia. To date, users are available two versions of this brand - for 1000 and 5000 watts. The Chelyabinsk enterprise GRC-Vertical produces just vertical type installations with a nominal power from 1500 to 30 000 W. You can find Russian wind generators to provide small amounts of energy. For example, the company "Stroyinzhservis" offers a wind generator for 500 watts. It is important to note that almost every Russian manufacturer provides and service maintenance of equipment, so problems in the content of technology should not arise.

Price issue

Each manufacturer, despite the use of general principles for the implementation of installations, still goes its own way. As a result, we obtain aggregates with unique characteristics and, accordingly, price tags. In the initial segment, you can find a wind generator, the price of which will vary from 40 to 70 thousand rubles. This is a mini-station with a stand-alone mode of operation, which is best suited for the needs of a small house. Then follow the proposals at a cost of 100-150 thousand rubles. As a rule, these are units with a power of 5000 W, which can be used for commercial purposes.

Feasibility of using wind generators

According to experts, such installations are not always beneficial to use for private needs. This is due to high prices for batteries, inverters and installation. In addition, sometimes it is required to install a diesel generator as a supplement, which also increases the cost of organizing such a method of supplying energy. Nevertheless, wind generators can justify themselves if the conversion is carried out directly into heat. In this case, the function of the generator as a heating system is realized, the possibilities of which can be used for both hot water supply and for elementary heating of the house.

Conclusion

With all the shortcomings, wind installations are actively promoted in the market, attracting all new users. This is due to the prospects of the segment and the attractiveness of those opportunities that provide free energy sources. Already today, wind generators are able to take full energy supply to private houses. Of course, it is not in all regions that the use of such facilities justifies itself due to climatic conditions. But even in these cases, experts recommend not to abandon such proposals, supplementing installations with photoelectric elements, fuel generators and other auxiliary energy sources.