The UK is blessed with the best wind energy resource in Europe. Yet - despite all the efforts of a number of pioneering individuals and companies our use of this renewable and pure energy source lags far behind other EU countries. John Shore suggests that we give wind power, in all possible locations, a chance to prove itself ...

In the past, large windmills (often made mainly of timber) were commonplace and provided an essential local energy source. Later, throughout the UK the familiar wind-pumps provided water supplies and before the widespread introduction of grid electricity, small stand-alone wind turbines were used to provide lighting. Today, although wind technology has made some major advances, we currently only have perhaps a few thousand small turbines (to which this article mainly refers) and most of these are recreational (yachts and caravans) with perhaps a thousand or so domestic-sized machines installed for eco and off-grid houses. The use of medium-sized turbines for horticulture and industry has hardly begun.

Domestic-scale wind turbines can be beautiful, highly efficient, and can have a very long working life - turbines dating from the 1900’s are still bought, sold and are fully repairable. A carefully designed eco-house can power its basic needs from a 500 watt or 1kW turbine, depending on household numbers and lifestyle. Turbines are usually mounted on steel-tube masts, ideally hinged near the ground to enable the turbine to be lowered for inspection and maintenance. Batteries and inverters can be housed near the mast base, so only low-cost, high-voltage wiring is run to the point of use.
The ability to operate safely in high winds is paramount. While larger turbines usually incorporate a furling mechanism, some small turbines have little or no protection. Take independent advice from experienced consultants before specifying or buying!

Small wind turbines can be classified in the following main categories:
• Low or high voltage turbines which directly provide heat, pump water or drive a suitable motor (no battery required).
• Low-voltage (12, 24, 36 or 48V) turbines which charge batteries and power low-voltage lights, appliances, pump water...
• Low-voltage turbines which charge batteries and power high-voltage lights, appliances, pump water etc via an inverter.
• High-voltage (115V or 230V) turbines which feed into the mains electricity grid, usually via a special inverter.

While this last category has the advantage of not requiring a battery and enables grid electricity to be used as a back-up during windless periods, no electricity is available during grid failure, unless a parallel system (charger/battery/inverter) is also added ...

To read the rest of John Shore's assertion that wind power offers one of the most reliable and efficient forms of renewable energy for Britain, order your own copy of this edition or subscribe to Building for a Future now!