Wind energy resources

In the UK we have a large potential wind resource. Although we have 40% of Europe’s total wind energy resource, it remains largely untapped, currently meeting only 0.5 % of our national electricity requirement.

Individual turbines vary in size and power output ranging from a few hundreds watts up to 2 to 3 megawatts. Uses range from very small turbines supplying energy for battery charging systems (for boats, caravans or mobile homes etc.) up to turbines grouped on wind farms supplying electricity to the national grid.

Site and Planning considerations

Wind speed increases with height so it is best to have the turbine high on a mast or tower. Generally speaking the ideal situation is on a smooth hill top with a flat, clear exposure, free from excessive turbulence and obstructions such as large trees, houses or other buildings. However, other areas may have a sufficient wind resource to make an installation worthwhile.

Knowledge of the local wind resource is critical to designing a wind energy system and predicting output. For domestic installations a good source of information on local wind speeds is the NOABL database which can be accessed from the British Wind Energy website at http://www.bwea.com

Planning issues such as visual impact, noise and conservation issues also have to be considered.
It is sensible to make a planning enquiry with the Local Authority to establish whether planning permission would be required for your proposed installation.

Stand-alone (off-grid) or National grid-connected systems.

Small scale wind power is particularly suitable for remote locations that aren’t connected to the national grid where conventional methods of energy supply (diesel generation etc.) are expensive or impractical.
Most small wind turbines generate direct current (DC) electricity. Off-grid systems require battery storage and an inverter to convert DC electricity into AC (alternating current mains electricity).
A controller is also required to ensure the batteries are not over or under charged and can divert power to another useful source (space or water heaters) when the battery is fully charged.
It is common to combine a wind generation system with a solar PV system, small scale hydro or more powerful diesel generator for use during periods of low wind speeds. There are several applications for a wind/solar generating system in our off grid catalogue (road signs and lighting, trickle charging boat batteries, irrigation pumps etc.) if you have a particular project to discuss please contact us.