How to Harness the Power of the Wind

Build and Install Turbine

• 1

  Research what size turbine you need for your area and power consumption. Harnessing the power of the wind uses relatively simple turbine systems. The wind turns a turbine that usually has three blades. This turbine generates electricity, which passes through a gear transmission and generator system, which is patched directly to a building's power system or your local electrical grid. The size of the turbine and the wind speed determine the amount of electricity produced. Electricity use varies greatly --- the average American home uses just over 10,000 kWh, while businesses can use far more. Wind turbines are available in varying sizes that can power one home or an entire town. It is important to purchase a system that is the right size and will produce the right amount of power.

• 2

  Purchase a wind turbine system that includes a gear transmission and generator. For a home, small wind turbine systems are available from an increasing number of sources, including large online retailers. For larger wind power needs, private companies sell complete wind turbine systems, and often maintain them as well. An Internet search for wind turbine systems will help you narrow down available options.

• 3

  Analyze the best location to install your wind turbine system. Wind direction varies greatly; for your wind power system to work, you must find the optimal location for maximum wind flow. Larger turbines are often manufactured to pivot toward the direction of the wind, thus making them more productive. Small wind turbines are typically stationary. The elevation of the installation is also important --- turbine systems are installed as high as possible, because there is always more wind at higher elevations. Other natural surroundings affect wind flow, such as oceans (increase wind), forests (block wind) and buildings that might either block wind flow or create "wind tunnel" effects. Other geography-based factors to consider are highways, foothills and average temperature. There are many ways to find out more about wind flow in your area. You could consult the geography department of a local university, or you could install wind socks at varying heights on your property and carefully observe the direction of the wind.

• 4

  Install your turbine system. Follow the wind turbine system's instruction to create a foundation and install the system. The foundation and installation depends on the size and mechanics of the system. A large turbine system might need a very strong, specially constructed foundation, which could be an additional cost. A small turbine system might only need a simple foundation. The turbine system manufacturer should provide information on foundation needs. This is crucial to research before buying the turbine system.

• 5

  Connect the turbine to the power system. The turbine system manufacturer should also provide information on connecting to your home or business's power system. Wind turbines can power buildings "off the grid" by being connected directly to the building. As with foundations, installation needs vary greatly from one turbine system to another. Once connected to the building's power system, you are ready to harness the power of the wind.

• 6

  Link your wind power system to the main power grid in your area. Some state, city and regional power companies offer financial incentives to install home-based wind systems integrated with the main power grid. If your wind power feeds back into the main grid, you can receive financial compensation. Connecting to the main grid must be done by the local power company; contact your state's energy authorities for more information.