Wind Turbine
What is it?
Harnessing wind as a renewable energy source involves converting
the power within a moving air mass (wind) into rotating shaft power
which in turn generates electricity
How does it work?
Wind energy is generated when the wind rotates a turbine's
blades which drive a generator to produce electricity. Wind
turbines vary in size, they can be very small (one metre in
diameter) and attached to a building; they can be larger and power
a school or hospital, or they can be over 100m tall and based
off-shore to generate large amounts of electricity.
Is is suitable?
It is important to assess the wind resource available in your
area.A wind speed database is available on the BWEA website so you
can see if there is potential for wind generation in your area.
Turbines vary in size, and household systems are typically sized
up to 6kW (this large would be a fairly rural area or a housing
development with a communal space). However, the smaller systems
are around 1.5kW in size.
Planning issues such as visual impact, flicker, strobing, noise
and conservation issues also have to be considered. Contact
your Local Authority regarding Planning Permission and Buildding
Regulations.
Consideration should be given to noise nuisance that may be
caused by the use of wind turbines in populated areas. However,
modern turbines are fairly quiet.
There is potential for vibration damage from micro turbines
situated on the roofs of older properties or those of wooden frame
construction, however the industry is developing mountings that
should overcome this issue.
What are the benefits?
Cut your bills: free use of electricity whilst it is being
generated, therefore you will only need to use electricity from the
Grid when the wind is low. Surplus electricity can be
exported and sold back to the electricity supply company.
Cut your carbon footprint: solar electricity is a green
renewable technology that can reduce your carbon dioxide
emissions.
Systems installed by an accredited contractor (MCS approved) can
earn you money from the Government’s Feed
in Tariff Scheme (FITs)
Contact Us
Climate Change Officer
Property, Leisure and Waste Management
White Cliffs Business Park
Whitfield
Dover
Kent CT16 3PJ
Email: energy@dover.gov.uk
