Small Wind Turbines

Small wind turbines add megawatts to U.S. grid

Cnet News May 25, 2010

The U.S. is fertile ground for small wind turbines, according to a report published this week.

The annual small wind report from the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), released in conjunction with the organization's annual conference, shows that small-wind turbines installations have grown rapidly over the past three years and U.S. manufacturers are getting a foothold in the global market.

The installed capacity of the U.S. for small wind turbines--defined as under 100 kilowatts of capacity--grew by 15 percent last year compared to the year before, representing $82.4 million in sales and almost 10,000 new units capable of 20 megawatts of generation, according to the report.

Consumer demand and improved technology are helping fuel sales, but the most important factor was the passage in October 2008 of a 30 percent tax credit for renewable energy systems. About half of the total industry growth has happened in the last three years, said Ron Stimmel, the manager of legislative affairs and small systems at AWEA, in an interview earlier this month. There have been about 100,000 units sold since 1980.

In terms of products, there's a shift toward larger, grid-tied turbines. Even though total capacity grew, the number of units fell 6 percent, with the most growth in the 11 kilowatt to 100 kilowatt size range.

Microwind turbines, which can supply electricity for a home, have a capacity in the range of 2 kilowatts. For example, the Skystream 3.7 is rated at 2.4 kilowatts and, if there is a good wind resource, can supply a large portion of electricity for a single home or business. By contrast, a 100-kilowatt turbine, which looks like a smaller version of utility-scale turbines, could be used for community wind at a school or other municipal building.

Costs: Oil Rig VS Wind Power

Costs: Oil Rig vs. Wind Power


I read an article this week by Karl Burkhart of the MNN (Mother Nature Network) and found some of his research very interesting. Burkhart determined that the ill-fated Horizon Rig, which consisted of two deep-water wells, required an investment of $8 billion to $12 billion over its 25 year anticipated lifespan when considering construction and operational costs.

What will $12 billion buy in wind power? About 33 billion kilowatts annually. Enough to power 3 million homes or more than 7.4 million electric cars annually. When evaluating the number of gasoline cars that the oil rig could power, Burkhart used future fuel standards that have yet to be achieved. However, I calculated the figure based on findings by RITA (Research and Innovative Technology Administration) of the U.S. Department of Transportation and that number is 14.2 million cars annually.

As a nation, we love oil, plain and simple. Oil yields 2 times more transportation power per dollar invested. Burkhart is clear to point out that the cost of gasoline for the end-user is considerably higher than electricity. With gasoline hovering at $3/gallon and the typical automobile getting 20 mpg, the average American spends $1800/year in fuel. In comparison, average electricity is $0.10/kilowatt, so one mile on electricity costs only 3.7 cents, or just over $400/year. If you figure that 7.4 million Americans would be saving $1400 per year, that is about $10.4 billion going back into the U.S. economy.

Once environmental clean-up costs of the oil rig disaster are considered, it adds another $45+ billion to the 25 year cost figure, making it a much different picture. NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) says that oil spills are quite frequent, citing a recent year where 257 global oil spills were calculated. Wind power wins, hands down!!

Burkhart concludes, “of course, this sad little number game will never make up for the incalculable losses to the fishing industry, the tourist industry, the health of wetlands, the survival of wildlife, the carcinogens that are now leaking into the water systems of Gulf residents; all things for which BP will never pay. We, the American people however, will pay those prices for a very, very long time to come."

You get my drift ... it is time to change the way we think about offshore energy resources and start switching to safe, clean wind power.” I whole-heartedly agree.

Southwest Windpower Air Breeze Wind Generator

Southwest Windpower Air Breeze Wind Generator



Fiercely competitive though the small-wind-generator market is, Southwest Windpower has become a world leader from its headquarters in Flagstaff, Ariz., by adopting the old-fashioned design philosophy of constantly striving to improve its products. An example is the Air Breeze, the latest addition to its best-selling Air range of small wind generators. By analyzing every element of the existing range to identify possible improvements, it has produced its quietest and most powerful turbine so far. The blades have been enlarged to start up in winds of just 6 miles per hour and to produce more energy — up to 200 watts at 28 m.p.h. — as well as being more durable. The system uses only two moving parts to minimize maintenance, and makes so little noise that it is generally quieter than the wind.