What is eolic energy?
The wind power is that which is obtained from the wind force that flows through a wind turbine arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the wind. In this device the conversion of Kinetic energy generated by air currents in electric power.
The extraction process is carried out mainly thanks to the rotor that the wind turbines have, which transforms kinetic energy into mechanical energy, and the generator, which transforms said mechanical energy into electrical energy.
The importance of wind energy in Spain
At the end of last year 2021, with more than 1,260 wind farms in it Spanish territory, wind energy reached 27,446 MW installed, which is equivalent to 25% power total installed in the Spanish energy system and in 2020 contributed a 21% of total generation, currently being the first energy source, both in installed power and generation.
Wind energy applied to buildings: Mini wind energy
Is considered mini wind energy that energy that is generated in wind installations less than 100 kW and that it is connected to low voltage networks (BT), (the limit of 100 kW is defined in Spain as the maximum power that can be connected to the low voltage electrical network).
Due to its characteristics, it allows the hybridization with photovoltaic installations, since, in addition to sharing low voltage (LV) evacuation, the operation peaks occur at different stages of the day and year (they complement each other).
In general, wind turbines used in buildings range between 3kw and 5kw (equipment weighing less than 170kg). The electricity production of these equipment is more than 80kwh/day, with winds of between 8 and 12 m/s on average.
Its maintenance is simple, requiring a single annual inspection consisting of a visual check of the moving parts and an adjustment of all screws.
Main elements of a wind turbine:
- Rotor (1), It is the mechanism found at the junction of the blades or hub and that converts the kinetic energy of the air stream into mechanical energy through the process of rotation of the blades.
- Wind turbine blades (2), generally made of fiberglass with a high-density polyurethane core. The blades are manufactured taking into account the best way to absorb gusts of wind, being aerodynamic.
- Generator (3), This element is responsible for converting the mechanical rotation energy into electrical energy for consumption or storage.
- Guidance rudder (4), element that is located at the end of the body of the wind turbine and has the purpose of orienting said body facing the air current.
Inverter or power converter, external element of the wind turbine that transforms the direct current electrical energy produced by the wind turbine into alternating current, as well as raising the voltage of the current to that usually used in the home in Spain (220-230v).
Types of wind turbine in mini wind
Basically, there are two types of wind turbines different: those with a vertical axis and those with a horizontal axis.
- Horizontal axis wind turbines They are much more frequent. They are the most efficient and economical, although they do not tolerate gusty, weak winds or frequent changes of direction very well. They need a weather vane to orient themselves facing the wind.
- Vertical axis wind turbines They have the great advantage of adapting to any wind direction. They generate few vibrations and are the quietest. On the other hand, they offer worse performance and are more expensive.
