
The
AIR-X builds upon what has made AIR the world's #1 selling
small wind turbine with new technology.
All of these features are primarily found within the body of
the turbine. The microprocessor based turbine controller
results in increased performance, improved battery charging
capability, greater reliability 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 in high winds.
Furthermore, new carbon-reinforced blades with a modified
pitch angle further increases power production.
Much Lower Noise: Previous AIR wind
modules relied on their aero-elastic blade design for
protection in high winds. This caused a 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 potential
output will resume. The Benefit: Quieter and neighbor
friendly wind turbine.
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.