What is a micro-wind turbine?

Micro-wind turbines are small wind turbines that generate electricity from the wind. Farmers have widely utilised small wind turbines to generate electricity for their homes and pump water. These turbines have a power output ranging from 3.5 kW to 50 kW and must be mounted on a tower ( BWEA, 2006 ).

How can a household use wind power technology?

Households can now make use of wind power technology by installing micro turbines, also known as or small-wind or ‘microwind’ turbines. When the wind is strong enough it turns the blades of the turbine, generating electricity.

How does a wind turbine work?

When the wind blows, it pushes the blades of the turbine and makes them spin. This spinning turns a shaft inside the turbine, which powers a generator, which turns the kinetic energy of the spinning motion into electricity. Regular wind turbines are usually very tall, and have gigantic blades, to catch as much wind power as possible.

How many blades does a wind turbine have?

The three-blade design is the most common, as it is a simple and efficient design. This design is also adaptable and versatile when it comes to the various wind conditions we have in the UK. In some cases, wind turbines can have two blades and although they reduce drag which can increase efficiency, it can also make the turbine unstable.

Can timber be used for wind turbine blades?

Small scale wind turbines were successfully constructed using coated timber blades, and it was concluded that timber offers a cheap, strong and reliable material alternative for wind turbine blades.

How can wind energy be harnessed?

The basic principle of harnessing wind energy is through converting the kinetic energy of the wind to usable electrical energy. This conversion is carried out using wind turbines, these are mechanical structures with rotating blades that capture the wind’s energy that causes them to turn.