How Off-Grid Wind Power Systems Work

Off-grid wind power systems provide electricity when and where there is no existing power source, such as utility power. They are also referred to as 'stand-alone' wind power systems.

Using an off-grid system eliminates dependence on the utility grid. People may use an off-grid system because they live in an isolated area away from utility power, for economic reasons, or wish to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.

1: In an off-grid wind power system, a wind turbine generates DC electricity.

2: Next, the DC electricity must be diverted into batteries for storage. A battery bank (set of batteries connected together) serves as the primary power storage source for the system.

Batteries may be charged not only by the wind turbine, but also by a fossil-fuel powered generator or additional renewable energy source, such as solar electric modules. Batteries require periodic maintenance, which may be performed by an informed system user.

3: Finally, the energy stored in the battery bank can be used as DC power, or converted by an inverter for use as AC power.