Small Scale Wind Turbines

Wind turbines use the power of the wind to generate electricity. Wind power is a clean, renewable source of energy which produces no carbon dioxide emissions or waste products. Wind power is a mature technology - it has been harnessed for centuries, to drive machinery, particularly for milling grain and pumping water. Large free standing wind turbines produce electricity which is used by utility companies. Small domestic turbines can be used by homeowners and remote villages to help supply energy.

Harnessing wind as a renewable energy source involves converting the power within a moving air mass (wind) into rotating shaft power. Modern wind turbines contain rotors fitted with aerodynamic blades, which utilise lift forces caused by the wind on the blades to turn the shaft. The shaft rotates inside a generator (located behind the rotor and blades), which generates electricity. The greater the wind speed, the more power is produced.

Wind speed increases with height, so a turbine is sited on a high mast or tower to make the most of wind speed. The UK has 40% of the European wind resources and the highest average wind speeds in Europe and therefore has the greatest potential for the use of windpower in Europe.