(Alberto Masnovo / Shutterstock.com)
Wind power, in terms of technology, is one of the best sources of renewable energy and it is providing power around the globe.In some countries, renewables are overtaking the use of fossil fuels in producing electricity.
Once, wind power was only available to large companies and governments with access to large swathes of land for wind farms (or offshore ocean farms). That’s because wind power utilized large structures with massive wind turbines. But now, miniaturized wind turbines are available to help power private homes.
Types of small wind turbines
According to The Eco Experts website, there are two types of micro wind turbines available to private customers. The first is a roof-mounted one and the second is a stand-alone turbine. Both types of turbines, whether on the roof or on the ground, produce electricity and help off-set the amount of electricity a household consumes from the grid
The advantage of a roof-mounted turbine is that they have height, which means that the wind turbine can catch the wind easily, and can be installed in just a few hours. A roof-mounted turbine can generate between 0.5 kWh (kilowatts per hour) and 2.5 kWh a day, which is enough to offset electricity from the grid, but not replace it.
Stand-alone turbines, on the other hand, are more powerful than roof-mounted ones, but are more complicated, and take longer to install. A stand-alone turbine can produce 15 kWh, which is enough to power most homes.
Sculpture or wind turbine?
Private households and individuals are not the only ones who can benefit from micro-turbines. According to Fast Company, a French startup called New World Wind created a small turbine called the Aeroleaf. Aeroleaf turbines are designed to look like a curled leaf, and can be used in private homes, public parks, and places of business.
As the wind blows, the leaves spin like dancers. They are often installed in groups, and hung on installations referred to as wind trees or wind bushes. These aesthetically beautiful installations, which come in many different colors, look like sculptures, not only providing electricity but also beautifying the area around them.
Micro turbines provide one more way for private households to lower their reliance on the electric grid, and hence use fewer fossil fuels. While their function is primarily practical, they can also be a fun, quirky, and beautiful addition to any household or private or public space. This just goes to show that saving the planet need not be dull or ugly, but can also be a lovely way to beautify the world.
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