Harness Wind Power

Dates Available

This course is led by Dick Strawbridge.

About this course: On this course you will learn how to generate electricity from a given blades, turbine and mast. It’s a fact, performance is limited by the laws of physics, so Dick will explain the theory behind the technology so you can easily understand what is achievable. Important issues such as siting, planning, best bang for the bucks, to grid link or not to grid link will be covered in detail. There’ll be practical demonstrations of the systems in place at Newhouse Farm, and then it’ll be time to get hands on as you’ll be given a whole collection of bits and together you will build a system that will make electricity. By the end of the day you’ll have a thorough understanding of how to harness wind power… the only thing we can’t guarantee is the wind!

Topics covered throughout the day will include:

Electricity. No matter what your level of understanding you’ll soon be able to get your head around important topics such as AC/DC, Batteries & Inverters, Power consumption and what your needs are. Dick will make the theory easily digestible and walk you through some simple calculations.

Wind power. You’ll learn how much power is available & how much you can harness. Dick will explain the theory behind the turbines, and you’ll soon be able to understand the all important Betz law and master some essential equations.

Elements of a wind system. Dick will talk you through all the essential elements such as blades & rotors, design & materials, towers (tilt up & fixed), cable, controllers, furling and flexing, and dump loads.

Siting. You’ll discover how performance is affected by things such as roughness and turbulence, and then look at issues concerning planners, neighbours and other small inconveniences!

Erecting masts and towers. Dick will explain what equipment you’ll need, such as gin poles, cherry pickers and scaffolding.

Products. Bang for the bucks – what products are out there and what their pros and cons are.

Quotes from previous attendees:
"We enjoyed the course and thought it was well organised and very informative. It gave us lots to think about and has helped us to plan what our options are to make our smallholding more environmentally friendly. There's nothing quite like hearing it from those who have done it and have a realistic view of what it means to be or try to be environmentally friendly in the modern world. Great lunch too!" Caroline and Des Richer

"A really worthwhile course if you want to invest in wind technology. I learnt the basic formula for calculating and sizing a turbine, the limitations of ‘useable’ wind, storage of electricity produced and how to decipher the manufacturers marketing jargon and claims. We also looked at maintenance implications, planning, noise and cabling for house hook-up. This course is a must if you are seriously considering a turbine." James Blanchard

Lunch: You will be invited to join us for an organic and tasty Newhouse Farm lunch. Onmivores, vegetarians, vegans… everyone is catered for and we’ll guarantee there’ll be more than enough food to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites! Local ales, organic wines and cordials are also on offer. Lunch time is always a good opportunity to fire questions at Dick and get to meet the rest of the Newhouse Farm team.

Booking: If you'd like to book one of the dates above please at [email protected] to register your interest. Payment details will be forwarded if an applicant is given a place. Full payment is required 21 days before the course date.

Price: Course prices are £165 (inc VAT).
In an attempt to make the course available to people on lower incomes, we offer a limited number of concessions. To apply for a concession please at [email protected]

Transport:
The course is held at Newhouse Farm in Cornwall. Full directions will be provided once payment has been cleared. We are a short distance from the local train station; transport can be arranged if necessary.

Accommodation:
New for 2010, why not stay at Newhouse Farm in Holly's beautiful gypsy caravan? Visit www.gypsycaravanscornwall.co.uk for more information and to check availability. Alternative details of B&Bs in the village will be provided upon booking.

What you need to bring:
Newhouse Farm is a working smallholding with plenty of mud, uneven ground and nettles. So please bring sensible footwear (wellies or trainers are good but definitely no flip flops). Also as we cannot guarantee the weather so a raincoat or umbrella could come in handy too.

Newhouse Farm Course days are typically organised as follows:

Time	Activity
0930 - 1000	Course meets with organic tea, coffee and nibbles
1000 - 1230	Introduction, theory (!), and practical demonstrations
1230 - 1330	Lunch break - you are invited to join us. We are never sure how many people will be there - long arms are an advantage!
1330 - 1630	More theory and practical work
1630 - 1730	Tea, coffee and more nibbles - an opportunity to discuss individual projects.
1730 ish	Course disperses