Archive for January 7th, 2009

Determining Wind Turbine Annual Power Output - a Simple Formula Based Upon Blade Diameter and Average Wind Speed at Your Location

Jan 07, 2009 in Diy
home wind energy
from D. R. Smith

Are you looking to lower your electric bills by using wind power as alternative energy? You’re not the only one, millions of people are looking into going green. Moving into wind power will reduce your carbon footprint thus helping the environment and will reduce your energy costs and dependence on foreign oil.

If you’re looking into wind power you probably want to know how much power a home wind generator actually produces. In order to determine a realistic approximation of what power can be generated on your property there are some rules and guidelines that you can use.

To determine the approximate annual energy output for a small wind turbine, you can use the following formula:

(Yearly output in kilowatt-hours) = (0.01328) x (blade diameter in

feet)^2 x (average wind speed in miles per hour at your location)^3

The simplified formula is: Power = 0.01328(D)^2(V)^3

There are two factors that have a significant impact on energy output, blade diameter and wind speed. Increasing the blade diameter increases the energy output as a square function. For instance, if you increase the blade diameter by a factor of 2, the energy output will increase 4-fold.

Although blade diameter has a dramatic impact on energy output, wind speed is even more important. Energy is a cubic function of wind speed. For example, if wind speed is doubled, the energy output will increase by a factor of 8. Thus, wind speed is the most important consideration in smaller wind turbine energy production.

The above equation and discussion therefore indicates that your money is better spent on raising the height of your tower or choosing a better location with greater wind exposure than on a generator with larger diameter blades.

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You Can Build Your Own Solar Panel

Jan 07, 2009 in Diy, Environment, Home Improvement, Howto

With energy resources dwindling fast and global warming changing climates across the globe, more people look towards renewable energies for reducing their carbon footprint. However, even the most environmentally passionate person cannot pursue such endeavors without the proper financial resources. The professional installation of a solar energy system can cost in the thousands, so many resourceful individuals are turning to the many great resources that help you build your own solar panel.

It is possible to completely build your own solar panel, but for the most part, these panels are small and do not produce the wattage necessary to power more than a simple lamp and only for a couple of minutes. The most effective way to produce power from the sun, when you can’t afford to hire the professionals, would be with a solar panel kit. These build your own solar panel kits come with everything you need to successfully build your own solar panel in the comfort of your living room, or the garage may be a wiser choice.

Surprisingly, build your own solar panel kits are not difficult to find. With large companies like GE producing these kits, the build your own solar panel sets are very affordable and offer quicker return on your investment than purchasing and professionally installing a solar energy system. In general the instructions are easy to follow, even for teens and children, and in no time you are on your way to your own solar power system.

If you are looking to build your own solar panel there are a numerous resources and guides available to help you through the process. By involving the whole family in the building process, every one will learn how a solar power system works and exactly how the components are put together. Also, when you build your own solar panel you are giving yourself the knowledge to expand your system on your own, without calling back the installers, and the ability to adapt your current system to meet new design needs.

Making the choice to build your own solar panel is a great investment for your future and the world’s future. Start making your own power at home and take advantage of this great way to educate yourself while saving money and helping the environment and learn how to build your own solar panel today.

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