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Wind Energy

drakes supply and install energy generating wind systems the most prolific turbines installed are horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) with a set of blades attached to the hub and shaft these capture the wind that turns the hub where the generation system is attached which creates electricity the shaft and generation system is located in the nacelle that sits on the top of the tower. Wind turbines use ‘kinetic energy’ captured from wind to drive a generator that converts the ‘kinetic energy’ into mechanical energy. The most common alternative form of wind turbines is a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT); they operate with vertical blades that have the main rotor shaft arranged vertically. The main advantage of the VAWT is that the wind turbine does not need to be pointed into the wind. This is an advantage on sites where the wind direction is highly variable or has turbulent winds and the generator and other primary components’ are usually located closer to the ground or mounting point However, when a turbine is mounted on a rooftop, the building generally redirects wind over the roof and this can double the wind speed at the turbine. If the height of the rooftop mounted turbine tower is approximately 50% of the building height, this is near the optimum for maximum wind energy and minimum wind turbulence.

Wind turbines for homes, business industry & commerce are highly productive and reliant on wind flow, day and night, drakes will asses your required needs and output requirements for a range of applications. Wind turbines are site specific where wind speed is required and recorded as an average, drakes can assess the financial contributions a wind system can produce for our customers and a detailed desk and site survey to ensure the best possible solutions.

This may include systems which are on grid where the electricity generated I used and exported or off grid where all the electricity is used for self sufficient applications with in-line battery and generator equipment could form part of the overall system. For on grid applications the Feed-in Tariff which can be claimed is part of the Government funded Clean Energy Cash Back Scheme and the tariff that can be claimed is based upon the size of the system installed and the number of kWh (kilowatt hours) produced or used. These tariffs are guaranteed for many years, and are retail price index linked and are paid tax free. The wind turbines drakes supply and install all come with 5 years warranty with extended warranty available on request.

Wind turbine installations require planning permission. Drakes will produce all the required paperwork and deal with all the relevant applications that are required to make the planning application. The various planning departments throughout the county are very enthusiastic to renewable energy and wind turbines but are conscious that the right approach is made when making an application where every aspect and impact of the landscape, the community and wildlife are addressed.

Drakes will also check your current grid connection and if required ensure your grid connection application with the relevant district network operator (DNO) is applied for and approved.