Wind energy has been used for many years as individuals have used wind power for sailing, wind mills for manufacturing and pumping water and more recently conversion into electricity using wind turbines. Wind power is a renewable energy that is considered a good option instead of burning fossil fuels. Of all the renewable energy sources it is the most efficient and you only need a light breeze to produce electricity.

The very first uses of wind for energy was in the form of wind mills and sailing as people have been using wind for more than thousands of years to propel ships. Windmills have also been used for many years for milling grain as well as pumping water for irrigation. These irrigation windmills was the main reason that farming and ranching could occur in the US, as there are vast stretches of land that do not have ready access to water.

The very first usage of wind to create electricity occurred in 1888. The first wind turbine was used to create hydrogen in the 1890s but it was soon converted to producing electricity. Small wind turbines are used to provide power to rural buildings and today there are larger wind farms that are being used to produce electricity for large networks. What is known as the modern wind industry really began in 1979 when wind turbines began to be regularly produced.

Wind occurs because the surface of the earth is not evenly heated, as the poles get less sunlight than the equator. This causes cooled and heated air to move which in turn produces wind. It is projected that the amount of power that could be harnessed form the wind is more than the human population currently uses. So just think about having almost cost free power.

The amount of power that is generated by the wind is dependent on the speed and as the wind speed doubles the amount of power produced increases eight fold. However there is a cap as wind turbines can only go so fast and generate so much energy. You do not need high winds at all time though as a lot of energy can still be produced with 15 mph breezes. As such, wind power is a valuable method for alternative energy.

The main issue with wind energy is storage as wind power cannot be dispatched at different times but needs to be used immediately. Many companies have looked into different types of batteries, storing it within the energy grid and even hydroelectricity. Many times surplus energy from domestic wind turbines are fed back into the electrical grid and the energy company will purchase this energy and you will receive electricity credits.

A wind turbine used to collect the power of wind will contain a rotor shaft, gearbox and brake assembly. Generally within a wind farm the different turbines are interconnecting for power collection and communication networking. Wind energy uses induction generators to collect the power and change it to electricity.

The best types of generators are doubly fed machines as they will function when errors occur within the grid. You need to be aware of the power factor, dynamic behavior and frequency constancy when a system fault should occur.

Wind power should be thoroughly considered in order to promote a greener society. Educate your children to become future scientists by purchasing them science lab equipment.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Being green is beginning to become increasingly vital all around the globe. The general public is more aware of their attitude and behaviour towards a green planet. We are able to see how folk look for methods to avoid pollution using clean energy, how they find out more about recycling and they drive vehicles with lower co2 emission. As a part of this movement it has in recent times, become more trendy to build tiny turbines onto the roof tops of home properties, even in built up areas. The British politician David Cameron and the US talk show host Jay Leno both added one to their roof tops.

Recently published reports however have branded the turbines useless “Eco Bling”, destroying their once flawless reputation. The reports however tend to be poorly researched and have a biased agenda. A recent report published in the UK stated in its essence that rooftop turbines don’t work. This is no different from saying that cars don’t work off road, but it is common knowledge that there are off road cars. Naturally, the public isn’t aware of wind turbine technology details. The news paper articles confirm just that. Understanding wind energy is just as important as understanding eco washing powders, low energy consumption light bulbs, electric cars, recycling and organic produce.

Everyone knows the general public is ready to pay a premium to keep the earth green, but when it comes to scrub energy, they’re kept in the dark and little is done to coach our communities. There are hypotheses the general public are being made believe by the systems and large firms that nuclear energy is the only real way forward. Nuclear energy is more cost effective but much more threatening. Power generation and distribution remains in the hands of a few and can be resolutely controlled. A nuclear power plant is naturally much more tricky to build, to run and to own then a wind farm, which can be made and owned by virtually anybody with access to land and finance and the energy can be sold on to folks or back to the grid. Naturally, a green energy controlled by the many would suggest more cost effective costs and more competition.

In the case of roof top turbines, little do they know that there are specifically designed turbines to be used on roof tops and in inner city areas that produce energy the way that they are meant to. Cheating is also the continually used statement, that for a wind turbine to work, a minimum wind speed of five meters per second is necessary. That is relevant to standard style small air turbines, but this isn’t applicable to the Japanese Loop Wing which is build for low wind speed in urbanized areas. Reports also say that turbines enormous enough to provide enough electric energy would destroy the house through its vibration. The Loop Wind has tiny and the new V-LIM has no vibration and will not bring down the house.

So we are going to have to have patience and see whether regimes and firms support new developments in wind turbine technology and educate the public so they can too invest into cleaner energy and not depend on the massive firms to make all energy calls for them.

Before you invest into a Wind Turbine or a wind power system learn all you can about Wind Power!

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

Tips For Using Solar Power

If you want to go to solar power for your home or business then now may be the time to do it. Though you will probably still have quite a bit of out of pocket expense, if you live in the United States then you will most likely qualify for tax incentives to offset some of your cost. You should keep in mind that these systems are expensive but they may save you a lot of money as well.

A special system can be installed that will convert sunlight to solar power and run the electrical devices in your home or business. You will need a special box that will hook up to your current system as well as solar panels. These items may need to be installed by professionals for safety reasons. You local power company will need to approve and help with this as well.

There are many sites that say you can build your own solar power systems. As tempted as I am, I am also skeptical. I have a hard time believing I can build anything that is legal and will produce power for my home without starting a fire or an explosion. However I may let my son try these as a science project if nothing else.

In years to come we may see a significant reduction in the use of fossil fuels. These are in limited supply and we have to start preparing for a time when they may no longer be available. Not only is solar power a great way to start saving these fuels but you can save money on your electrical bill as well.

Solar energy can be used with other energy sources to make sure you always have enough energy to run your home or business. Your regular power supply is still hooked up even with the solar power supply. This means that even if there is no sun for weeks at a time you can still have power you need.

Do it yourself kits save a lot of money over professional installation but the entire process sounds fairly complicated. One site even mentioned the need for permits. You should check with your local power company and see what rules apply in your area.

Some of the products that run on solar power are nice and you don’t need a special system installed. The outdoor lights look really great. They are easy to install and no cords to run or trip over. The cars are still a long way from being marketable though.

Keep in mind that electricity of any kind can be dangerous. Check all local laws and follow any safety instructions before you try to do any electrical work on your own. Professional advice may be helpful. If you know an electrician then they may be willing to give free advice on this matter.

More and more people are switching to solar power at least in part for their homes and businesses. You can start now or wait a few years until the prices come down and supplies are more widely available. The sooner you get it the sooner you can save money on your electrical usage.

Solar power provides an efficient and environmentally friendly source for energy. In order to promote a greener society, wind power should also be considered as an alternative option.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Learning science is not always easy for children. Often if it seems difficult, children will lose interest. Science is an essential area that will stay with children throughout their education, so it is important that they don’t lose interest while they are young. There are number of things one can do to get their kids interested in science.

1. Children love to spend time outdoors, so one way of getting them interested in science is taking them on a nature walk in a park. You can point pout the various animals, bugs, flowers, and plants. The kids will have fun learning all about nature. They will not even realize they are learning.

2. There are a number of children’s science kits available online and in toy stores. There are microscope kits, volcano making kits, butterfly kits, ant farms, and much more. Kids love these kits and will spend hours using them. There are even kid’s telescopes for looking at the moon and stars. As well, outdoor play can include finding and identifying insects, frogs, and different tree leaves.

3. There are number community organizations that focus on kids. This includes the 4-H, Girl Scouts, and Boy Scouts. These organizations provide many activities that involve science. They also help children socialize.

4. There are many at home kids’ activities that involve science. This can include making and flying kites, building go-carts, building a robot, and much more. There are even kid’s rockets that children can put together and launch.

5. There are even activities in the kitchen such as cooking that involves science. Get your kids to help you cook. Let them measure ingredients and have discussions about how meals are made and cooked.

6. Encourage your children to ask questions when engaging in science activities. Help them find the answers through books and kids science videos. Allow children to take things apart to learn how they work.

7. Take your children to a science museum. There they will find a whole range of science subjects. Some displays are even interactive so your child can participate in a fun learning experience.

8. Take your children to such places as zoos, aquariums, science centers, and planetariums…etc. It is great and fun way to get children interested in science.

9. There are kids science learning channels such as the discovery channel that will provide science shows that cater to children. There are also children science activity books available. As well, one can purchase a wide assortment of science videos that are made for children. They are educational and entertaining.

One of the productive things you can do to get your kids interested in science is participate in the activities with them. This will show the kids that you too find it interesting and fun. It is always important to make the experience positive. You do not want the experience to seem like a classroom. By actively encourage your child to engage in fun activities that are connected to science, your child will gain a life long love of the subject.

When looking for expert knowledge and professional service for alternative energy, telescopes, and kids science, come visit us for Canada’s best selection of science & astronomy products!

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

Technorati Tags: , , , , , ,

Homemade Energy is guide that supposedly teaches you how to make your own solar and wind power. Written by Bill Ford – a scientist, researcher, inventor and energy consultant – the guide claims that even someone with limited technical know-how can build the systems. But does it really work? And how does it compare to Earth4Energy?

What we liked about it:

1 – It was an enjoyable experience:

We found the instructions for the wind turbine very well laid out and explained. They were easy to follow, and we really had fun putting the wind generator together. Also, when it was finished, it actually worked, and our neighbors did not believe us when we told them we had built it ourselves.

2 – Cheapest guide out there

Well, Home Made Energy is only about $2 cheaper than its rivals, but with the economy currently in crisis, every dollar helps.

3 – Even a housewife could follow the plans:

It is obvious that Bill Ford wanted to write a guide that even a housewife could follow. The language was really easy to understand, and the instructions made it almost impossible for you not to end up with a working wind turbine. This was despite the fact that the diagrams were a little confusing at times.

What we did not like about it:

1 – Not as complete as the other guides

At only 43 pages long, we found the guide a little short. Yes, it may have been to the point, without being filled with random information, but we would rather have spent the extra $2 on one of the other guides, and received more facts and advice.

2 – Needs an update:

This may not be the case with other readers, but we found the solar power plans rather confusing to follow at times. The diagrams did not flow well with the instructions, so we had to contact Bill on numerous occasions for support. We must admit that his response was very good and helpful, but it would be better if he simply updated the guide. What good are free lifetime updates, if we never really get any?

Overall rating:

Homemade Energy is by and large a an energy guide for beginners, that have the patience to learn while doing, which is vital for any diy plans. However, Bill needs to keep up to date with his competitors, such as Earth4Energy and Efficient Planet, and offer more value for his customers. This includes updating his solar power plans, and perhaps offering video instruction too.

Tim McDonald has been making his own home wind turbine and solar power since June 2008. If you are serious about making your own power, reducing your electricity bill and becoming more energy conscious, then he recommends you get the Earth4Energy Sneak Peek – before buying any energy guide.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • Google Bookmarks
  • Yahoo! Buzz
  • Twitter
  • Technorati
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • MySpace

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,