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Self-consumption has become a good option to obtain clean, sustainable and cheap energy for many households, in line with the Law on Climate Change and Energy Transition and the latest measures for saving, energy efficiency and reduction of energy dependence on natural gas announced by the Government. While solar panels are the most popular solutions, micro-wind energy generation is becoming an alternative.
What is micro-wind energy generation?
This is the generation of wind energy using wind turbines of a smaller size than usual. We are talking about wind turbines with a power of less than 100 kW. Wind turbines of greater power would not be considered to be for self-consumption.
Micro wind turbines are also smaller in size than the usual wind turbines, which means that they can be installed in smaller spaces.
Wind turbines have a blade which is driven by the force of the wind. The blade is attached to a rotor which transforms that force into mechanical energy. The rotor is in turn connected to an electricity generator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Finally, a charge inverter adapts the energy so that it can be consumed. These wind turbines are also equipped with a power limiter for safety reasons.
Wind turbines usually have a rudder, so they point the right way as the wind changes direction and a tower, which raises the blades to the height where the air currents are strongest.
There are usually two types of wind turbines for self-consumption:
- Horizontal axis: these are the most common and efficient.
- Vertical axis: these are more innovative and their design enables them to be installed in smaller areas because they occupy less space.
Depending on the space available for the installation, you should choose either horizontal or vertical.
What do I need in order to be able to use micro-wind energy?
To install a micro-wind energy generator, you need the following:
- Permission from your municipality. Some municipalities already have regulations for this type of installation.
- Permission from your community, both if it involves an individual wind turbine or if it is to offer supply to all the neighbours.
- An ad hoc space that meets the necessary conditions, both for the dimensions and the passage of wind. They have to be installed at a height of at least 8 metres and with a separation of 1.2 times their height from any neighbour or other wind turbine.
- That the area chosen to install the micro wind turbine needs to have suitable recurrent wind speed. The Institute for Diversification and Saving of Energy (IDAE in Spanish) has an Iberian Wind Map, which shows the wind speed throughout Spain with data from the last 32 years. You should bear in mind that wind turbines start operating from 3 metres per second, and that from 25 metres per second, wind turbines stop for safety reasons.
- Choose the most suitable wind turbine for your needs with regard to space and power.
How to install a generator at home
Once the point has been selected, an anchorage needs to be installed to which the tower will be fixed. The wiring passes through the inside of the tower.
It is recommended to connect the wind turbine to an accumulator or battery, so as to be able to use the excess energy.
Some people combine the installation of wind turbines with photovoltaic panels to ensure the production of energy, since there are times when the wind does not blow or there is no sun.
This type of installation requires an annual inspection to make sure it is in optimal condition.
Benefits of Micro Wind Energy
Here are some of the benefits of micro wind energy:
- It is clean and sustainable energy, since it does not generate emissions and it does not run out.
- It reduces the possibility of loss during transport and distribution.
- It is free, which means a significant saving in your home finances.
- The cost can be recovered: The investment involved in the acquisition of the wind turbine and its installation can be recovered in the short term.
- It can be installed in places far from the grid, ensuring supply.
- It generates power at night and in shady places, when solar energy cannot be generated.
- It is easy to install.
- It is not costly to maintain.
Disadvantages of micro wind energy
- It can pose a risk to wildlife.
- The power may not be enough for the needs of the home.
- There may not be enough wind to generate sufficient power and the installation may stop on too many days in the year.
- There may be too much wind and the installation may stop on too many days in the year.
- It may be too noisy: It is important to know the energy efficiency of the wind turbine chosen so as to prevent it from causing noise pollution.
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