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 Wind
Turbines - Air X
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Introducing the latest evolution in small wind turbines. The AIR-X
builds upon what made AIR the world's #1 selling small wind turbine
with new technology previously found only in today's state-of-the-art
mega-watt-class wind turbines.
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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 reduction of "flutter" noise from the
machine. The controller allows for peak-power tracking of the wind
by optimizing the alternator's output on all points of the cubic curve
and then efficiently delivers the energy to the battery. The turbine's
smart controller allows it to actually control blade rotation speed
thus eliminating the buzzing noise commonly found with the AIR 403
and 303 in high winds. Furthermore, a new series of carbon-reinforced
blades with a modified pitch angle further increases power production. |
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The new electronics are a considerable improvement over the
AIR 403 controller that consists of diode-rectification and
a simple off/off voltage switch.
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 electronically slows the
blades as it reaches its rated output preventing it from going
into flutter. This results in 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.
The Benefit: Quieter and neighbour friendly operation. |
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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 to reaching its full state of charge, the more
often the AIR-X's circuit repeats this action. This means any
size battery bank from 25 to 25,000 amp hours or higher can
be charged safely. 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 start-up and resume charging.
The Benefit: Extended battery life, no overcharging. |
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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 blade speed to 600 rpm, thereby significantly reducing
turbine and tower loading while still producing power.
The Benefit: Greater confidence in turbine operation in high wind
conditions without manually operating the stop switch.
Note: A manual stop switch control is an available option for the
AIR-X.
Design changes are primarily found within the body of the turbine:
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New microprocessor-based controller. |
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New "wave washer" combined with
looser bearing-to-body tolerances are incorporated into the
face bearing set. This results in lower compression on the bearing/race,
with quieter running and lower startup speed. It also lowers
stress on the bearings and shaft when subject to twisting forces
during normal operation. |
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New series of carbon reinforced blades. |
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More robust tower clamp and yaw assembly
for stronger and more secure tower mounting. |
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New series of carbon reinforced blades. |
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More robust tower clamp and yaw assembly
for stronger and more secure tower mounting. |
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Features |
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Unprecedented 3 YEAR WARRANTY |
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Simple rooftop installation; no tower necessary |
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Carbon Fiber Composite Blades |
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Aircraft quality aluminum alloy castings |
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Exclusive Brush-less neodymium cubic curve alternator |
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Sophisticated internal battery charge regulator |
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Maintenance-free - Only two moving parts |
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Exclusive Auto-brake-feature that slows
the AIR to a silent spin when the batteries are charged thus
extending bearing life and reducing noise. |
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High Wind Safe Mode - Automatically slows
turbine in potentially damaging winds and reduces noise. |
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Neighbor Friendly |
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Applications |
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Remote homes & cabins |
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Water pumping |
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Recreational vehicles |
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Battery charging |
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Science & education projects |
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Specifications |
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Rotor Diameter: |
46" (1.14 meters) |
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Weight: |
13 lbs (6 kg) |
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Start up wind speed: |
7 mph (3 m/s) |
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Voltage: |
12 & 24 VDC (36/48 VDC available soon) |
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Output: |
400 watts at 28 mph (12.5 m/s) |
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