What is a wind turbine? You may hear a wind turbine referred to as a windmill or wind generator. Although the terms are used interchangeably, there is a minor difference. The wind turbine is a machine that exploits wind power to make mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is either used as is or changed to electricity. A windmill uses the mechanical energy as is for extracting water or for grinding jobs, whereas the wind generator is the one that produces electrical energy. Are there different kinds of wind turbines? Wind turbines are split into two types according to their orientation:

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1. Horizontal Axis Turbines – The turbine blades turn along a horizontal axis.
2. Vertical Axis Turbines – The blades in these turbines rotate along a vertical axis.

The horizontal axis wind turbines are most popular. They are more functional than vertical axis turbines. What are some of the benefits of using a wind turbine to produce electricity? We will now look at some of the benefits of a wind turbine:

• They Save Power: As the wind turbines use a free energy, the wind, they prove to be a very cost-effective way of producing electricity, thus helping not only save power but also create power for the world.
• Cost Saving: The only expense involved in installing a wind turbine is the initial cost and the cost of maintenance. The energy is free and there is no other fuel.
• Environment-Friendly: Wind turbines don’t give off harmful gases or otherwise adversely affect the environment.
• They Provide a Consistent Power Supply: A wind generator helps you become independent of the the local power company. No more blackouts!

Self Build Wind Energy

What are the factors you should think about before installing a wind turbine? Although installing a wind turbine is very advantageous for you and for the rest of the world, you need to be careful not to set it up in the wrong conditions. You need to take into consideration these conditions before deciding to install a wind turbine. Two conditions should be met:

• At least one acre of clear space
• Local wind speed must be around 11 mph
• The base and tower need to be sufficiently strong to stand up to turbulence
• Ensure that the tower’s height and the distance between the wind generator and the cells are optimum.

A Domestic Wind Generator in the Making