Micro-Generation of Wind Power - Some Definitions
In this section I would like to focus on the some relevant definitions with respect to the micro-generation of wind power. First a set of more general definitions followed by definitions more specifically relevant to wind power. A lot of these definitions are also available on the great online resource wikipedia, and where relevant I have included a link.
General
Ampere-hour (Ah): Quantity of electricity or measure of charge. (1 Ah = 3600 C [Coulomb])
Electrical grid: An integrated system of electricity distribution, usually covering a large area.
Kilowatt (kW): 1000 watts.
Kilowatt-hour (kWh): One thousand watts acting over a period of 1 hour. The kWh is a unit of energy.
Micro-generation: Defined as generation of a capacity of less than 50 kW. Although there has been some discussion about this.
ROC: Renewable Obligtion Certificate - A certificate that is issued to accrediated generators for each MWh of electricity that is produced from renewable sources. ROC’s can be traded and have a value of approximately £46/MWh, though the value will obviously vary due to market conditions
Wind Power
Constant-speed wind turbines: Turbines that operate at a constant rotor revolutions per minute (RPM) and are optimized for energy capture at a given rotor diameter at a particular speed in the wind power curve.
HAWT: Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine - The most common form of wind turbine in which, as the name suggests, the blades rotate around the horizontal. This is of course the form that most people will be familiar with.
VAWT: Vertical Axis Wind Turbine - In this case the turbine blades rotate about the vertical axis. This design is less common although a number are now being developed for the micro-generation market.
Wind turbines can be classified depending on the blade diameter:
Micro: Less than 1.25 metres
Small: Between 1.25 and 2 metres
Large: Greater than 2 metres
Written by ashleys on May 11th, 2006 with
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