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The AIR X is the latest evolution in small wind turbines by Southwest Windpower. The AIR X combines what has made AIR the world's number one selling small wind turbine with new technology previously found only in today's state-of-the-art mega-watt-class wind turbines. All of these features are primarily found within the body of the turbine. The new microprocessor based speed control results in increased performance, improved battery charging capability and the elimination of "flutter" noise from the machine. Maintenance-free performance, easy installation, and high output make AIR ideal for virtually any remote battery charging application.  The AIR is designed to be used in combination with photovoltaic modules to balance system energy output during times of seasonal fluctuations. It is ideal for those windy winter periods when the sun is at its lowest. Features
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| Blades: | The AIR's blades are made of a carbon fibre reinforced composite that twists as the turbine reaches its rated output. This twisting effect changes the shape of the blade, causing it to stall, limiting the RPM of the alternator protecting the AIR from damage in high winds. |
| Alternator: | The AIR's brush-less alternator is optimized to match as close as possible to the cubic energy in the wind. It is constructed with Neodymium Iron Boron permanent magnets for superior performance and maintenance-free operation. |
| Regulation & Control Electronics: | The electronics perform several functions to assure maximum output and safety for the user. The control electronics maintain a load on the alternator at all times to insure the turbine never over speeds, regardless of the condition of the battery. As the battery is charged, the sophisticated regulator periodically checks the line, correcting for voltage loss and monitoring charge rate. Once the battery has reached its optimum charge level, the regulator shuts the current off, preventing the battery from being overcharged and slowing the blades to a silent spin. |
| Improvements Over The Previous Model |
| Much Lower Noise: | Previous AIR wind modules relied on their aero-elastic blade design for protection in high winds, causing loud flutter noise in winds above 35 mph (16 m/s). AIR X's circuit monitors the wind speed and slows the blades as it reaches its rated output preventing it from ever going into flutter. The result is a much quieter wind turbine. In high winds, the AIR X will continue to produce power at a reduced level until the wind decreases, at which point maximum output will resume. Additionally, when the battery has reached its charged state, the AIR X will slow to an almost complete stop. Only when the battery has dropped below its voltage set point will it startup and resume charging. |
| Improved battery charging | Previous AIR designs required 300-400 amp hour battery banks so the trickle charge of the wind turbine could be adequately absorbed. The AIR X's charge controller periodically stops charging, reads the battery voltage, compares it to the voltage setting and if the battery is charged, it completely shuts off all current going to the battery. This function is performed within a few milliseconds. The closer the battery is reaching its full state of charge, the more often the AIR X's circuit repeats this action. This means any size battery from 25 can be charged safely. |
| Lower stress design: | AIR X limits power on the input side of the electronics by controlling the torque from the blades. The power no longer has to be dissipated by the electronics resulting in lower stress on the circuit, bearings and other materials. Furthermore, stress on wind turbines occurs primarily in high winds. Under these conditions, the electronic stall design reduces the speed to 600 rpm, thereby significantly reducing turbine and tower loading. |
| Specifications |
| Rotor Diameter | 1.15 meters |
| Weight | 5.85kg |
| Start up wind speed | 2.7 m/s |
| Voltage | 12, 24, 48 Vdc |
| Rated Output | 400W at 12.5m/s |
| Mount | 48mm |
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The Whisper H40 Wind Turbine is designed for outstanding performance in medium to high wind. It features: - 2 Year Warranty - Permanent magnet brushless alternator - EZ wire 120 amp universal charge controller allows up to 700 watts of PV - Cast aluminium housing - Three injection moulded fibre reinforced blades Exclusive to the Whisper, the side furling Angle Governor protects the turbine in high winds by turning the alternator and blades out of the wind, reducing its exposure. Unlike other wind turbines that loose as much as 80% of their output when furled, the Angle Governor allows the Whisper to achieve maximum output in any winds. The Whisper H80 Wind Turbine is designed to obtain optimum performance in low to medium wind speeds. Featuring a 3m rotor diameter, the H80 will deliver twice the power in marginal wind areas than the H40. |
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| Specifications |
| Turbine | H40 | H80 |
| Rotor Diameter: | 2.1m | 3.0m |
| Weight | 21kg | 30kg |
| Start up wind speed: | 3.4m/s | 3.1m/s |
| Voltage: | 12, 24, 32, 48 Vdc | 12, 24, 32, 48 Vdc |
| Rated Output: | 900W @ 12.5m/s | 1,000W @ 10.5m/s |
| Mount: |
2.5" Schedule 40 pipe | 2.5" Schedule 40 pipe |
Performance Curves |
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