WIND TOWERS W/ HOUSE ATTACHEMENT

[ian]

I HAVE STARTED THE PROCESS TO FIND OUT IF WIND ENERGY IS APPROPRIATE FOR MY SITUATION. I'VE DECIDED ON HUGH PIGGOT'S 8'AXIAL FLUX TURBINE AND HAVE STARTED A YEAR LONG WIND SURVEY. OUR HOUSE IS LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN OTTAWA, CANADA; IT IS BUILT UPON THE EDGE OF A CLIFF, WITH A FAIRLY CONSTANT AND CLEAN WIND. OUR PROPERTY IS 33X99', WHICH RESTRICTS OUR USE OF GUY WIRES TO THE EAST AND WEST.

THE QUESTION IS: WITH THE BASE OF THE POLE TOWER SET IN THE GROUND CAN I ATTACH IT AT THE ROOF LINE, WITHOUT TRANSFERRING VIBRATIONS OR EXTRA NOISE INTO THE HOUSE? I WOULD LIKE TO GET AWAY FROM USING GUY WIRES IF POSSIBLE.

THANKS,IAN

[Flux]

This is always strongly advised against, but for a small mill it may be ok if it is your only option.

If the prevailing wind reaches the mill before the house it may work, if the house deflects the wind from the mill it will cause turbulence and poor results.

You will need a stronger tower if you support lower down. A resiliant mount should get rid of the noise, but there may be other problems. Much depends on the height and construction of the house.

Flux

[richhagen]

DanF had his mounted like that.  The story on that mill and tower is here:

http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2005/4/7/142949/7223

Rich Hagen

[vawtman]

Ian if you go the route your saying.Your house will have to pick up the slack of the missing supports.Iwould make the tower strong enough so it doesnt need your home to help.A little vibration here and there can be severe over time.

[rotornuts]

I think with some dampening in the mounts it should be a problem as long as you reinforce where it attacches to the house. I wouldn't consider lag bolts of any size as appropriate.

Mike

[Ungrounded Lightning Rod]

Attaching a mill to a house is like having the house experience an earthquake continuously - rather than just for a few seconds per century.  It doesn't take long to start tearing the house apart in tiny (or large) ways.

Meanwhile the noise will drive you bonkers - and ruin your health through stress - at certain wind speeds.  (You wouldn't want to live near an airport or freeway, would you?  Like that.)

[tecker]

You could get creative with a deck with the mill guyed to the corners.