Two main
types of system can be utilised:
1. Stand-Alone Systems
Domestic
turbines are often used in stand-alone power systems that are designed to
charge a battery bank. The most common application for this set up is in cases
where a grid connection is not an option due to a prohibitive cost or remote
location.
2. Grid-connected Systems
In this type
of system, the output of the wind turbine is connected to the existing mains
electricity supply to the home via a controller and inverter. Excess
electricity generated can be sent onto the grid while electricity can be drawn
from the grid when the turbine is not producing enough electricity to meet your
needs. ESB Customer Supply offers to domestic microgenerators a 9c/kWh payment
for exported electricity. Electric Ireland is offering to all domestic
electricity customers of all suppliers a further 10c/kWh for the first 3,000
kWh export in each year. This offer is open to the first 4,000 customers who
qualify and is due to close in 2012.
A third
arrangement employed by some users of small turbines is to heat water directly
from the turbine and not connect the turbine to the electricity supply to the
premises or to the grid. The energy can then be stored as heat to be used on
demand if the storage capacity is sufficient and very well insulated.
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