Wind Energy |
|
Wind is air in motion. It is caused by the sun unevenly heating the earth’s surface. The earth’s surface is comprised of many different types of land and water, which absorb the sun’s heat at varying rates.
During daytime, air above the land heats up more quickly than the air over water. This warm air over the land expands and rises. The heavier, cooler air comes in to take its place, thus creating wind. At night, the winds are reserved because the air-cools more rapidly over land than over water.
Wind Turbines use blades to collect the wind’s kinetic energy. Windmills work by slowing down the speed of the wind. The wind flows over the airfoil shaped blades causing lift, similar to the effect on the wings of airplanes, which causes them to turn. The blades are connected to drive a shaft, which turns the electric generator to produce electricity.
In Ireland, the two most commonly used types of wind turbines are Horizontal & Vertical Axis Wind Turbines. Horizontal axis wind turbines are most common in domestic situation and are the most familiar types. While the vertical axis turbines are used in domestic locations, they are particularly well suited to commercial applications as well. It is excellent at operating in areas where wind direction is turbulent and varied. These are also very effective where wind speed is low.
Noise – what noise! The windmill motors are noise free, the only sound comes from the sweeping of the arms with the horizontal axis turbine, which is less with the vertical wind turbine. Generally, the turbine is positioned approx 26 -60 metres from the house. Noise has never been an issue and complies fully with planning guidelines. |
