SIG Sustainable Solutions, building sustainable futures
- Solar PV Electricity Systems
- Solar Hot Water Systems
- Air Source Heat Pumps
- Ground Source Heat Pumps
- Wind Power Systems
- Biomass Systems
- Combined Heat and Power Systems
- Insulation
- Green Roofs & Living Walls
- Phase Change Material
- LED Lighting
- Roofs
- Floors
- Natural Lighting
- Doors
- Water Conservation and Drainage
- Windows
- Ceilings & Partitions
- Structural Systems
- Foundation Systems
- Site Construction Products
- Building Management Systems
- Traditional Material Alternatives
Wind Power Systems
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What is Wind Power?
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Wind power is the conversion of wind's kinetic energy into electricity, using wind turbines. Wind is an abundant source of energy that will never run out. It's also the world's fastest growing energy source and the UK receives around 40% of Europe's wind resource, potentially enough to power the country three or four times over.
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How does Wind Power work?
Wind turbines operate on a simple principle. The energy in the wind turns two or three propeller-like blades around a rotor. The rotor is connected to the main shaft, which spins a generator to create electricity.
There are essentially two types of wind turbine:
1. Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines: These have the main rotor shaft and electrical generator at the top of a tower and must be pointed into the wind. Often constructed to 100 feet (30 meters) or more above ground, they can take advantage of faster and less turbulent wind.
2. Vertical Axis Wind Turbines: These have the main rotor shaft arranged vertically. Key advantages of this arrangement are that the turbine does not need to be pointed into the wind to be effective. This is an advantage on sites where the wind direction is highly variable.
Key Features and Benefits:
- It offers an unlimited source of power 24 hours a day
- Wind electricity is a green, renewable energy and doesn't release any harmful CO2 or other pollutants
- Wind is free, so once the initial installation is paid for electricity costs will be reduced
- Applications are suitable for both commercial and residential buildings, however individual circumstances must be taken into consideration
- Can be installed in new build and existing buildings
- Wind Power offers a potential income source from the Feed in Tariff (FIT) available in 2010
- Good source of energy for remote locations
- Wind power has very limited application in urban environments
As a source of power, however, wind is highly variable and unpredictable, with wind turbines not able to generate power in light or very strong winds. The most successful form of power generation is that provided by large scale wind farms connected directly to the national grid.
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A wind turbine installed in an area with a good consistent wind resource can produce energy cost-effectively. However, the available wind resource typically will vary from season to season and be affected by additional environmental factors including:
- Height of building
- Height of building compared to general heights of other buildings
- Orientation of building
- Shape of building, width, depth
- Other roof-top structures
- Underlying topography
- Location of building within the conurbation
- Size of conurbation
In general terms, current wind technology does not suit urban developments due to the variable and inconsistent wind conditions created by the built environment. However, rural areas can offer ideal locations for an appropriately sized and positioned wind mast.
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Feed in TariffCommercial wind production application lends itself to the benefits of the Feed in Tariff (FIT) which will become available in 2010. This is a major piece of UK legislation which for the first time provides the opportunity for commercial and residential customers to invest in technology and achieve a reasonable guaranteed, government backed return on investment.
Our service
At SIG Sustainable Solutions we have access to an extensive range of wind powered energy generating products to suit your particular project requirements. We understand the critical environmental factors involved when considering wind technology. Our experienced team will take you step by step through the process, from establishing your initial needs right through to developing the specification and installing the most appropriate solution.
If you would like more information on this range of products please call us on 0845 873 8612 between the hours of 8.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.30am - 5.00pm on Friday.
© SIG Sustainable Solutions
An SIG Plc Group Company
An SIG Plc Group Company