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FAQ - Frequently asked questions |
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How can I compare the performance and price of different wind generators? Do I need some permits to build and installa a wind generator?
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How can I compare the performance and price of different wind generators? |
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The power and energy produced by a wind generator are proportional to the rotor's swept area and the wind's speed. For standard home use, you will need a rotor swept area of about 20 m2, therefore a rotor-type generator needs to have a diameter of at least 5 metres. The rotor swept area is often a better quantity of measurement than are nominal or maximum power. Should you wish to compare nominal power,it should be measured at a comparable wind speed, eg. 8 metres/sec. Another good yard stick is to measure the annual energy productivity of the product according to the standard IEC 61400-121 (should this information be available). Our wind generator has been designed to have a long life span, therefore prospective buyers should consider issues in addition to the retail price: quality, ease of use, durability and maintenance. Quality of essential components such as bearings, have a major impact on the longevity of a wind generator.
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Do I need some permits to build and install a wind generator? |
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Before starting your project, make sure you are aware of the permissions required in your country and region for installing and utilising a wind generator. As wind generators are raised high, they are also visible from a far. It is advisable to consult your neighbours, even if local permissions don't require this. Colour also affects the visibility of your wind generator; light gray blends into the back ground whereas pure white though cheerful and light, is very striking. |
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How should I place the wind generator? |
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Please see our Buyer's checklist and our documentation on implementing and maintenence for more information on finding the right location for your wind generator. |
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Does installation of the Tuule T188 wind generator require a crane? |
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No. In the raising, lowering and maintenance of the Tuule T188 wind generator, no expensive cranes are required. The Tuule T188 wind generator mast structure is designed so that it can be raised and lowered with the aid of a mast raising pole and hand winch if necessary. |
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Does installation of the Tuule T188 wind generator require massive concrete pouring? |
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No. The Tuule T188 wind generator is designed so that expensive and massive concrete pours are not needed. The foundations for the Tuule T188 wind generator, i.e. the mast anchor and rigging anchors, are buried in the ground. The necessary concrete discs for the foundations are delivered along with the other basic components and they can be easily handled by one person. See the Buyer's checklist for more information. |
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Can you use the Tuule T188 wind generator for heating a family home? |
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Yes. The wind generator is perfectly suited to supplementary warming of a family or vacation home. Please see our Buyer's checklist and the Tuule T188 brochure for more information. |
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Can I connect the Tuule T188 wind generator to the local grid? |
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Yes. The Tuule T188 wind generator can be connected to the local grid with a power inverter. After this, the household's power is primarily taken from the wind generator's supplies. As consumption exceeds the generator's production, power supply is continued seamlessly from the local grid. When consumption is less than the generator's production, the excess energy is redirected to the local grid. Should the power cut, the power inverter is turned off automatically. You are only allowed to connect power inverters that fulfill EU directives and standards to the grid. |
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Can I change the use of the Tuule T188 wind generator later? |
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Yes. The Tuule T188 wind generator has been designed to be modular and therefore the product's modules are interchangeable and added to easily - you will not have to re-invest in a completely new wind generator. |
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How long will a wind generator last? |
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As any source of domestic energy, a wind generator should be durable and reliable. Regular, preventive maintenance and fast parts supply help maintain the value of your investment and extend the life cycle of the product to 40-50 years. Please see our Buyer's checklist for more information. |
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Is the Tuule T188 wind generator noisy? Do wind generators create sound? |
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At low wind speeds the rotor revolves peacefully and isn't noticeable. At higher wind speeds, the rotor makes a low swishing sound which is camouflaged by the natural sounds from buildings and in the nature. In practice, the sound observed from the wind generator and nature both grow as wind speed increases. The Tuule T188 wind generators use a slow-revolving 'permanent magnet generator' and it has omitted the use of noise-generating gearing. For silent operation of a wind generator, It is important that the rotor is designed as aerodynamically as possible. Carelessly designed or manufactured rotors can project many kinds of whistling sounds far across the neighbouring areas. |
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How much does raising the mast higher affect productivity - is it worth it? |
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As far as energy productivity is concerned, it is very much worthwhile. Wind generators are of course of not much use in low terrain, however this question can only be answered generally. The impact of lifting the mast higher depends largely on the wind conditions and terrain of the location. Generally, it can be said that the impact of lifting the mast higher is increased in mainland Finland, where the terrain is uneven. As, theoretically, energy increases to the power of three proportional to the speed of wind, even a small increase in average wind speed would significantly increase the production of energy. See our buyer's list for more information and an illustration of the impact of height to energy productivity. The tuule T188 wind generator comes as standard with an 18 metre mast, and there is an option to purchase a 27 metre mast, bringing the generator's ceiling to almost 30 metres. |
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What sort of lightning protection must a wind generator have? |
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Although it is unlikely that lightning will strike a small wind generator, it is appropriate to safeguard the generator. The lightning's surge in energy must be directed into the ground in a controlled fashion. The mast and machinery must be properly earthed. Additionally, the wind generator must be equipped with overvoltage protection in case the lightning's surge defeats the earthing and returns to the mast's rising main cable. The Tuule T188 wind generator's electrical cabinet is overvoltage protected, leading the surge from the rising main cable back into the ground. When you are purchasing a wind generator, make sure that it is adequately secured against lightning. The Tuule T188 wind generator includes both earthed lightning protection and overvoltage protection. |
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Does my home insurance cover the wind generator? |
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Insurance policies vary from country to country. Contact your insurance company to ascertain proper insurance cover for your wind generator. |
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Updated on 13.6.2009 |
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