Wind Generator Towers

A wind generator turbine must be fairly high in the air for optimum performance. Turbulence is greater closer to the ground. This reduces performance and created more wear and tear on the turbine. The smooth air, as well as increased wind speed, is higher.

Generally a wind turbine should be 30 ft above any obstacles within 300 ft, check with your local regulations. Smaller turbines typically go on shorter towers than larger turbines. A 250 watt turbine is frequently installed on a 30-50 ft tower, while a 10 kW turbine might be on a tower of 80-120 ft. It is usually best not to place the tubine on small buildings that people live. Problems of noise, vibration, and turbulence make it impracticle.

The cheapest tower type is the guyed-lattice tower. Self supporting towers, either tubular or lattice, take up less room but they are also more expensive. Telephone poles can be used for smaller wind turbines.

Some towers can be hinged at their base which allows them to be tilted up or down using a vehicle or winch. This makes it much easier to maintain. Some towers can be easily erected by and yourself (and maybe a little help from your friends), while others should be done only by trained professionals. Anti-fall devices are available and should be used for any tower that will be climbed. Aluminum towers are best avoided because of cracking problems. The manufacturer of a particular turbine will often sell a tower with it or recommend a suitable one for compatibility.