Wind generator
Encyclopedia
A wind generator is a device that generates electrical power from wind energy
.
Wind generators have traditionally been wind turbine
s, i.e. a propeller
attached to an electric generator attached to appropriate electronics to attach it to the electrical grid or to charge batteries
.
Recently, however, a reciprocating non-turbine wind generator, the Windbelt
, has been invented. It promises to reduce the cost for generating small amounts of power tenfold.
Wind generators have become very popular lately as a means to generate power for your home. Large installations of wind generators can run entire towns.
Small installations can be built for as low as US$100 reusing material. The plans can be found freely available on the web.
Wind generators come in many different sizes and shapes from vertical models, horizontal and even rooftop models.
Wind energy
Wind energy is the kinetic energy of air in motion; see also wind power.Total wind energy flowing through an imaginary area A during the time t is:E = ½ m v2 = ½ v 2...
.
Wind generators have traditionally been wind turbine
Wind turbine
A wind turbine is a device that converts kinetic energy from the wind into mechanical energy. If the mechanical energy is used to produce electricity, the device may be called a wind generator or wind charger. If the mechanical energy is used to drive machinery, such as for grinding grain or...
s, i.e. a propeller
Propeller (aircraft)
Aircraft propellers or airscrews convert rotary motion from piston engines or turboprops to provide propulsive force. They may be fixed or variable pitch. Early aircraft propellers were carved by hand from solid or laminated wood with later propellers being constructed from metal...
attached to an electric generator attached to appropriate electronics to attach it to the electrical grid or to charge batteries
Battery charger
A battery charger is a device used to put energy into a secondary cell or rechargeable battery by forcing an electric current through it.The charge current depends upon the technology and capacity of the battery being charged...
.
Recently, however, a reciprocating non-turbine wind generator, the Windbelt
Windbelt
The Windbelt is a device for converting wind power to electricity. A windbelt is essentially an aeolian harp except that it exploits the motion of the string produced by the aeroelastic flutter effect to move a magnet closer and farther from one or more electromagnetic coil and thus induce current...
, has been invented. It promises to reduce the cost for generating small amounts of power tenfold.
Wind generators have become very popular lately as a means to generate power for your home. Large installations of wind generators can run entire towns.
Small installations can be built for as low as US$100 reusing material. The plans can be found freely available on the web.
Wind generators come in many different sizes and shapes from vertical models, horizontal and even rooftop models.