Solar Wind Power
Solar and Wind Power Hybrids
The fusion of solar wind power technologies is
helping to solve the inherent limitations of wind and solar when they
are used as seperate systems. The wind is not always blowing nor is the
shining. A combination of these systems can facilitate
higher probabilities of allowing continual power supply while
potentially requiring minor storage requirements as well up the
customary fuel backup system.
Best of both Worlds
Solar wind power hybrids have a bright future
many companies are coming up with new creations and better models. My
new personal favorite is made by the
German company Bluenergy AG. They have created
what seems to be the ultimate integrated solar
vertical axis axis wind turbine.
One of its advantages of course, is that when one
reserve is not obtainable, the other one may still be used to
manufacture some energy.
This design is based on sailing engineering
where a wind rotor is turned by two spiral shaped vanes. They report
that the set up costs are not that expensive, and that it produces
no sound or considerable shadowing and it can be maintained from floor
level. Its upright wings can also be lowered horizontally for easier
access. One interesting highlight of its design is that the solar
cells are kept cooled by the revolution of the turbines which helps the
cells generate more electricity.
To boost the efficiency of solar cells, it should
not be turned unswervingly towards the sun when spinning. The surface
of the cells have a Dendrite structure which absorbs sunlight from all
angles. Current models of this solar vertical axis wind turbine range
from 2 kilowatt for residences to 8 kilowatt from commercial uses.
These systems also only needs 4mph winds and is rated for speeds of up
90mph! It also comes with an integrated inverter in its base which can
either 120 volts or 240 volts AC into your home or otherwise net
metered directly to the grid. The system is also easily scalable.
Image above: Diagram of Bluenergy
AG's SolarWind Hybrid using flexible solar film over two spiral vanes.
The solar cells are kept cool by the rotation of the turbine. Current
models range in output from 2KW for homes to 8KW for commercial use.
According to the company, the system needs wind of only 4mph and is
power rated for speeds up to 90mph! The system comes with an integrated
inverter that delivers either 120v or 240v AC into a home or net
metered to the grid.
Wind Combos -Fusion Power!
Rumor has it that Motorola will test this solar
wind power blend as
an option to reduce diesel generation on off-grid sites. This power
propositioned as a green substitute by means of fuel generators when a
key grid connection is not accessible, or it would take too long to
have a connection set up. It has also been claimed that this equipment
has applications both in developing and developed countries. Western
operators may be as interested in this technology as a way of dropping
car emissions and operational costs more so now that electricity costs
are estimated to increase up to 30 to 40 percent in the coming years.
Less maintenance is required for stations powered
by solar wind combos as opposed to diesel driven generators, which
usually need a monthly call for refueling. Diesel power is not cheap
espacially in places where
there is no power grid and fuel needs to be transported. Moreover, the
fuel could be siphoned off by thieves. Aside from this issue, diesel
generators are still cheaper to set up but higher operation costs
Comparing the price of what it costs to purchase
and own a fuel energy system, as well as the factors that affects the
quality of service and costs, maintenance and system requirements,
a solar wind combo system is way cheaper than fuel use. When we talk
about the conservation of the environment,
combining alternative energy sources like wind and solar make for one
hot topic. Many organizations and
agencies are starting to get involved. Many companies are also working
to come up with better models and new technologies for maximizing
alternative energy sources.
The future looks bright for solar wind power
companies like Bluenergy AG starting to create such innovative designs.
Further studies and tests are
always needed to ensure that new systems will be able to work according
to expectations. I will be keeping you abreast of new developements as
I discover them which you will be able to find on our NEWS page.
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