Selection of a small capacity wind turbine for domestic use

Abstract

The selection process of a small capacity wind turbine, which can be used for domestic use, is presented. The above is proposed because most architects and builders who intend to place small turbines in their project, have little information to make the right decisions in their choice, downloading most of the responsibility on the seller. As a practical example, a selection exercise was carried out at a site located in Tepuxtepec, Michoacán, where there is wind potential. The process begins with the calculation of the user's energy needs and it is assumed that the necessary information to perform a wind prospecting is not available, i.e., there are no anemometric measurements. The way in which these wind speed and direction measurements can be obtained is shown, with the purpose of calculating the necessary dimensions of the turbine, in order to be able to choose one in the market or manufacture it. In the same way, the dominant wind direction is calculated using the free software WRPLOT. The article provides important sizing information for a small capacity wind turbine, and also shows the way in which wind speed and direction measurement data can be obtained from any place in the world and shows a free software to generate the wind rose of the chosen place, linking with Google Eearth. Finally, the selection of the turbine with all its characteristics and its power curve is made.