Residential and commercial wind turbines, generators, fuel cells, and special-type batteries

Wind turbines:

     Two different types of wind turbines are vertical and horizontal axis types.  The types with the horizontal axle/spindle seem to be the most common ones used, and especially include the large ones you would see at a wind farm.  The tallest ones with one of the blades positioned at it’s highest peak at the top of the turbine circle, measure approx. 360 ft. tall.  Some of these large wind turbines are made in USA, and some are made in other countries, such as Spain, where the wind turbine company “Gamesa” is located.

     It has been stated that just one of the newest-designed large, 360ft. tall wind turbines, depending on location, can generate enough electricity to power up to 3,000 standard-size homes.  An example output voltage of a generator in a large wind turbine housing is commonly 600V or 690V.  Obviously the electric current voltage is regulated, after the wind turbine circuit, by "step-up" or “step-down” transformers to a different voltage.  Final usable AC voltage, of course is 240VAC / 120VAC for use in a group of houses. 

     Some people have complained about these large, horizontal axis wind turbines being dangerous to birds.  Well there’s not much that can be done with the large wind turbines existing, today, however, with smaller wind turbines, such as ones that are used for just one house, this problem can be solved by the use of a vertical axis wind turbine.  This design is much easier to see by any bird with the wind turbine at any speed (or RPM).  Some very efficient and durable, larger, vertical axis wind turbines are now being built.

Generators:

     When it comes to generators, some are quieter than others.  Some can run on gasoline, some are diesel-type units, and some run on natural gas from underground pipes.      

Fuel cells:

     Devices such as wind turbines, fuel cells and generators can also be used as simply electrical back-up supply units in a power failure.  There are different types of these systems that are installed by professionals. 

     Fuel cells are very quiet and can store large amounts of electricity.  One example of a non-flammable, very safe and efficient fuel cell is the zinc/air type.

Special-type batteries:
     Large, special-type home batteries combined with and charged by solar panels is a subject gaining more popularity.  One example, which features very durable solar roof tiles instead of "solar panels", is the Tesla Powerwall home battery system, which is a unique, high quality system that has many advantages for those interested in this type of green energy technology.