Mini wind power plants

A NEW WAY TO PRODUCE ENERGY
To overcome the ongoing challenge against climate change, it is necessary to rationally use energy and learn to produce it more and more using renewable sources, the only ones capable of giving us clean energy. Among them, wind energy is suitable for use not only in large plants, but also in small-scale applications. In fact, there are solutions developed for the so-called “distributed” generation that uses small size wind turbines to power isolated users or to interface on the low / medium voltage network.

MINIWIND
Small wind power, or small wind power, is considered the production of electricity from wind sources made with the use of generators less than 25 meters high. The difference with the large wind farm is clear and substantial. Large wind turbines are an alternative to large fossil fuel thermal power plants with problems of visual impact and occupation of the territory. Small wind turbines, on the other hand, build plants with negligible impact and interference with the territory and are at the service of individual housing units, agricultural businesses, manufacturing SMEs or services.

TYPES OF TECHNOLOGIES

The small wind turbine is characterized by two technologies: vertical axis rotor and horizontal axis rotor. The former are suitable for installations in urban and sub-urban environments, being characterized by a reduced visual impact and low levels of noise emissions (below the maximum threshold of 60 db envisaged by the legislation). The latter maximize the production of electricity in open environments with low-stem vegetation, therefore they are particularly suitable for installations in extra-urban environments serving farms and manufacturing or service SMEs.

APPLICATIONS

  • Plants connected to the LV/MV electricity network
  • Island systems for isolated users
  • Installations for heating domestic hot water
  • Systems that operate pumps for lifting water
  • Coupled systems in hybrid photovoltaic-wind systems

FINANCIAL OPPORTUNITY 2008 ((Law n. 244 of 24/12/07, Implementing decree of 18/12/2008)
– Powers lower than 60 kW subject only to D.I.A regulation
– Exchange on site extended up to 200 kW
– Comprehensive incentive rate 0.30 euro / kWh

ADVANTAGES OF MINIWIND
Thanks to its characteristics of technological simplicity and low costs, the mini wind turbine represents, today, a valid alternative to the traditional way of producing energy. The advantage is that of using an easily available source, especially in a territory such as that of the southern Apennines, characterized by medium-high wind levels (from 5 m/s to 8 m/s).

RETURN TIME OF THE INVESTMENT
Return times are strongly linked to the windiness of the site. An average windy site, as generally occurs in the southern Apennines, has an average wind speed of over 5 m/s, ensuring a pay-back period ranging from 5 to 8 years (below the average reference period for photovoltaics identified in 9 years).

INVESTMENT POSSIBILITIES
The exploitation of the wind resource can be an opportunity not only for savings, but also for additional income for private citizens. Thanks to the state incentives put in place with the 2008 Budget, the installation of a mini wind farm is comparable to a financial investment remunerated at 15% net. Public administrations can also use this solution by realizing important public expenditure reduction objectives for the benefit of the community.

THE OFFER OF SELETTRA
Building on the positive experience in photovoltaics undertaken two years ago, Selettra is now expanding its range of products with the “turnkey” supply of small-scale wind farms. The technological solutions put in place are aimed at offering installations serving domestic users, farms, manufacturing or service SMEs, public administrations, with the aim of achieving savings and additional income.

FEATURES

  • Zero polluting emissions
  • Null or negligible impact on the territory
  • Possible integration with other FER systems
  • Possibility of state incentives
  • Quick turnaround times
  • Savings and income integration