Solar Power DIY Blog

Windy day today – and gusty.  Could be fun putting up the foam sheets on the house.

Actually gusty winds, particularly where there is a lot of turbulence can effect the performance of wind turbines.  This is particularly the case with horizontal axis types ie. the ones with the vertical, almost propeller like blades.

Hence, be particular about where you are going to set up your wind turbine.  Put some research and thought into it.  Try to ensure if possible that your aren’t down-wind from obstacles unless the turbine is above them.  These obstacles could be buildings, trees or hills.

My wind turbine which is awaiting my repair at the moment I noticed that occasionally it would suddenly change direction.  That is a good indication that my location is not ideal.  I am situated in a long narrow valley and for an ideal installation, I should mount my wind turbine very high, too high to be practical or even possible.  I could also mount my wind turbine above the trees on the portion of my property that is high but that still requires me to mount my turbine 20 metres or so up, several hundred metres away from the house over rough terrain.

Hence I am unlikely to go out and buy any expensive wind turbines.  That is not going to stop me from further experimenting though.  My interest is particularly with the other common group of turbines of which there is various types and designs – Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs).

Until next time, Have a great day.