Wind energy

1. Wind energy
Environmental
protection measures
Plumbing Level 2

2. Wind energy is a converted form of solar
energy.
Hot air rises, reducing the atmospheric
pressure at the earths surface and cooler
air is drawn in.
The result is WIND.

3. Wind turbines
transform the
kinetic energy
from the wind
into electrical
energy.
We can harness
wind energy by
using a wind
turbine.

4. Turbines
Most turbines
have 3 blades.
1,2 and 5 blade
turbines are also
available.

5. Two main types of wind turbine:
•Horizontal axis style
•Vertical axis style.
Both can be stand alone or grid
connected.

6. Vertical axis
Typically
found in
rural
locations.

7. Horizontal axis
These are the
most common
type of
turbine.

8. A number of wind turbines together is called a wind
farm.
Wind farms at
sea can
harness high
wind speeds.

9. Wind speed
The average wind
speed to make a
domestic wind turbine
viable is 5 m/s.
Wind speeds
also increase
with height.

10. Domestic turbines
Common
sizes of
domestic
wind
turbines
range
between
2.5 – 15kw.
Small
turbines can
be put on
tall towers
to capture
faster wind
speeds.

11. Wind turbines are ideal for farms in
rural locations.
Here the wind
speeds are good
and planning
permission is less
of a problem to
obtain.

12. Photovoltaic’s are often combined with micro-
wind turbines.
PV and wind
power may be
seen powering
remote road
signs and other
equipment.

13. Planning permission
You will need planning permission.
Things that will be taken into account:
• Visual impact
• Proximity of dwellings
• Noise
• Conservation area
• Listed building
Process can take months and neighbours will be
consulted.

14. Maintenance
Installer will provide information on maintenance costs.
Expects costs of around £100 - £200 per year.

15. Siting a wind turbine
Maximise wind speeds
-Put as high as possible
- Tower height 6-15m for domestic systems.
Avoid turbulence
-Open spaces are best
- Not in a hollow or surrounded by trees.
Site as close to point of use as possible
-Cabling is expensive
- Energy losses in long cable runs.

16. Summary
• Where it is placed is crucial
• As high as possible
• Average wind speeds
• Diameter of rotor
• Grid connection
• Planning permission.