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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.
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.
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 neighbor friendly operation.
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 startup and resume charging. The Benefit:
Extended battery life, no overcharging.
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:
- New microprocessor-based controller.
- 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.
- New series of carbon reinforced blades.
- More robust tower clamp and yaw assembly for stronger and
more secure tower mounting.
Features
- Unprecedented
3 YEAR WARRANTY
- Simple
rooftop installation; no tower necessary
- Carbon
Fiber Composite Blades
- Aircraft
quality aluminum alloy castings
- Exclusive
Brush-less neodymium cubic curve alternator
- Sophisticated
internal battery charge regulator
- Maintenance-free
- Only two moving parts
- Exclusive
Auto-brake-feature that slows the AIR to a silent
spin when the batteries are charged thus extending bearing
life and reducing noise.
- High
Wind Safe Mode - Automatically slows turbine in potentially
damaging winds and reduces noise.
- Neighbor
Friendly.
Applications
- Remote homes & cabins
- Water
pumping
- Recreational vehicles
- Battery charging
- Science & education projects
Specifications
| Rotor
Diameter: |
46"
(1.14 meters) |
| Weight: |
13
lbs (6 kg) |
| Start
up wind speed: |
7
mph (3 m/s) |
| Voltage: |
12
& 24 VDC (36/48 VDC available soon) |
| Output: |
400
watts at 28 mph (12.5 m/s) |
Performance Curves

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