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Properly install your residential wind turbine

For it to operate at full efficiency, the residential wind turbine must be installed in an open area, where the average wind blows consistently and steadily.

To fully benefit from your domestic wind turbine, it is better to install it properly. During this step, several parameters come into play:

  • the wind,
  • the installation location.

On the other hand, it is now possible to install a wind turbine for individuals in the city. Although more complicated, due to the particularity of urban winds, this option is entirely feasible.

the installation of a hybrid wind turbine
Photo credit: Stocklib — Image ref: 1-46327453

Wind turbine installation: preliminary wind study

Before installing the wind turbine for individuals, or even choosing its power, a wind study is essential.

It allows you to best size the wind turbine installation and adapt its power to your needs, as well as to the winds. This study helps determine the most exposed location.

To do this, you identify the site where you wish to install your wind turbine. Then a mast about 10 meters high is installed there for a month. On this mast are fixed:

  • a weather vane,
  • an anemometer,
  • a data acquisition unit.

The data thus collected is recorded and correlated with historical data recorded by the nearest Météo France station to the installation site.

A report is then provided to you. It contains, for example:

  • the average wind speed,
  • a wind frequency curve,
  • proposals for solutions for the installation of the wind turbine for individuals,
  • the wind potential of the installation site...

On average, a wind turbine for individuals starts with winds of 10 to 15 km/h. It is therefore not recommended to install one if the average wind blowing at the installation site is below these values.

Wind turbine for individuals: installation location

A domestic wind turbine, even efficient and carefully designed, will not provide you with the electricity you need if it is not installed in a suitable location.

It must be able to capture as much wind as possible, without danger to people and installations around it. Thus, several parameters must be considered in choosing the installation location of the wind turbine for individuals:

  • the wind,
  • the height,
  • the clearance,
  • the presence of dwellings...

The wind turbine for individuals must be installed as high as possible, without modifying the size of the mast or tower. You can therefore start by using any reliefs present on the land.

Then, to capture the wind as much as possible, the blades of the wind turbine for individuals must be located in an open environment. Thus, it is generally considered that they must exceed the surrounding obstacles by at least 2 meters.

Example: the wind turbine will be located two meters above the house, a tree, a shed, a garage, a garden shed...

Finally, to ensure the safety of property and people, the space surrounding the wind turbine must also be clear. This safety perimeter around the installation is equal to the height of the mast.

Installing a wind turbine for individuals in the city

Those who do not live in rural areas, or who do not have a garden in the city, can also benefit from wind energy for individuals.

Although still limited, this option is nevertheless conceivable. But several issues come into play:

  • the presence of dwellings around the wind turbine for individuals,
  • weak and turbulent winds.

Wind turbine manufacturers are currently working to improve existing systems to meet urban demand.

The ideal choice today is the vertical wind turbine. Indeed, it can be easily and safely installed on a roof, and captures weak, even turbulent winds well.

However, one can opt for a horizontal wind turbine and fix it on the edge of the facade, making it protrude from the roof. The same type of system used for a satellite dish is then used. The wind turbine is fixed on a mast, itself fixed on the facade with wall mounts, or on the chimney with a banding. But this solution is less profitable and less safe.

Proof of this enthusiasm, the installation in April 2010 of two mini wind turbines on the Maison de l'air in Paris. They can produce up to 275 kWh. The surplus electricity will be sold to EDF.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to properly install a residential wind turbine for optimal efficiency?
For a domestic wind turbine to operate at full efficiency, it should be placed in an open area where the average wind blows consistently. Before installation, it is advisable to conduct a preliminary wind study (average speed, turbulence) to choose the height and power suited to your needs.
Why conduct a wind study before installing your wind turbine?
A wind study, using an instrumented mast (anemometer, wind vane) about 10 m high and correlated with meteorological data, allows you to assess the average speed and frequency of winds on your land. This helps you choose the power of the wind turbine and its location. Without this analysis, the risk of poor performance is high.
What are the installation rules for a domestic wind turbine?
Several criteria must be met: • Install the wind turbine at the highest possible location or use the existing terrain. • Exceed surrounding obstacles (house, trees, etc.) by 2 m. • Maintain a safety perimeter equal to the height of the mast. • Check local regulations, especially if the wind turbine exceeds 12 m.
Can a wind turbine be installed in an urban area?
Yes, installing a wind turbine for individuals in the city is possible, but more complex. Winds are often weak and turbulent. Vertical wind turbines are generally preferred as they handle changing winds better. However, the performance remains lower than that of a horizontal wind turbine in an open area.
Which wind turbine to choose: vertical or horizontal?
• Horizontal wind turbine: recommended in open terrain, more efficient if the wind is strong and steady. • Vertical wind turbine: better suited for weak or turbulent winds (in cities, rooftops, etc.), but generally less productive. The choice depends on your environment and topography.
How to proceed with the preliminary wind study?
A mast about 10 m high is installed for at least a month with: • A wind vane. • An anemometer. • A data acquisition system. The collected data is then compared with that from a nearby weather station. This report indicates the average speed and frequency of winds and suggests installation solutions.
What is the average wind needed to start a domestic wind turbine?
Most wind turbines for individuals start between 10 and 15 km/h of average wind. Installing a wind turbine in an area where the wind is often below 10 km/h is discouraged, as it will produce almost no electricity.
What safety distance should be maintained around the wind turbine?
It is recommended to keep a clear perimeter around the wind turbine equivalent to the height of the mast. Thus, if your mast is 10 m, you should arrange a 10 m radius free of any construction or obstacle to limit risks in case of a fall or blade detachment.
What about the profitability and cost of an urban wind turbine?
In urban areas, winds being less regular and more turbulent, profitability can be low. Moreover, the installation (especially the vertical wind turbine option) is often more expensive. It remains an ecological or experimental choice rather than a short-term profitable solution.
Can a wind turbine over 12 m be installed without authorization?
No, beyond 12 m, administrative procedures (building permit or prior declaration) are generally required. Inquire with your town hall or urban planning services to know the local rules in force.

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