Build Your Own Small Wind Power System

CHAPTER 9How to Choose the Right Wind Turbine for the Job

The word “energy” incidentally equates with the Greek word for “challenge.” I think there is much to learn in thinking of our federal energy problem in that light. Further, it is important for us to think of energy in terms of a gift of life.

–THOMAS CARR, TESTIMONY TO U.S. SENATE COMMERCE COMMITTEE, SEPTEMBER 1974

Overview

• What questions do I ask when considering a wind turbine?

• What are the most important differences when comparing models?

• What is the tip speed ratio, and why isn’t faster always better?

• How do wind turbines mediate very high winds safely?

We’re getting closer to arguably the most exciting decision of the whole process: which wind turbine will you spend your ...