Solar and wind power systems, components and design assistance.


EVENT HORIZON SOLAR & WIND
(269) 795.5285 solarpower@hughes.net

 

 

Site Index       Basics         Sizing         Resources          Equipment           Contact Us            

 
 

AIR-X  wind generator
and the Whisper 100, Whisper 200 & Whisper 500


Air Wind Module. SOUTHWEST WINDPOWER
Introducing the latest evolution in small wind turbines.  The AIR-X builds upon what has 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 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 and 303 in high winds. Furthermore, a new series of 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.

What's New in the AIR-X?

  • New microprocessor-based controller.
  • Lower torque bearings allow for improved startup.
  • New series of carbon reinforced blades.
  • More robust tower clamp and yaw assembly for stronger and more secure tower mounting.
  • MPPT (Power Point Tracking)

Features

  • Unprecedented 3 YEAR WARRANTY
  • 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.
  • Quiet Operation.

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 max (48 VDC available soon)
Output: 400 watts at 28 mph (12.5 m/s)

Be sure to also see the wind generator comparison data at the bottom of this page for more details about the Air 403 performance or Quick-scroll now to view comparison data of the Air-X.

Air-X spec sheet
W 100 spec sheet
W 200 spec sheet
W 500 spec sheet


COMPARISON OF WIND GENERATORS 
© Advanced Energy Group All rights reserved
Average kWh/month @ 10mph & 12mph
MODEL
AIR 403
WHISPER
H40
WHISPER
H80
WHISPER
175
RATED OUTPUT
400w *
900w
1000w
3000w
RATED WIND SPEED
28mph
28mph
25mph
25mph
RATED ROTATION
2000rpm
1150rpm
850rpm
500rpm
CUT-IN WIND SPEED
6mph
7.5mph
7mph
7mph
MO. KWH/ 10mph
Percent rated output
47 kWh
(16%)
65 kWh
(10%)
105 kWh
(14%)
316 kWh
(15%)
MO. KWH/ 12mph
Percent rated output
66 kWh
(23%)
109 kWh
(17%)
161 kWh
(22%)
507 kWh
(23%)
ROTOR DIAMETER
3.84 ft.
7 ft.
9 ft.
14.8 ft.
NUMBER OF BLADES
3
3
2
2
BLADE MATERIAL
Carbon reinforced thermoplastic
Injection molded polycarbonate
Fiberglass
Fiberglass
TYPE AIRFOIL
True
True
True
True
LATERAL THRUST
150 lbs.
200 lbs.
250 lbs.
700 lbs.
GOVERNOR
Aerolastic
Angle
Angle
Angle
GOVERN SPEED
48mph
28mph
27mph
27mph
GOV. SHUT-DOWN
----------
OPTIONAL STOP
Dynamic
-----
Switch
Dynamic
-----
Switch
Dynamic
-----
Switch
Dynamic
-----
Switch
UNIT WEIGHT
13 lbs.
55 lbs.
65 lbs.
155 lbs.
TYPE GENERATOR
PM alternator
PM 3 phase alternator
PM 3 phase alternator
PM 3 phase alternator
MFR SUG. RETAIL
(CALL US FOR ACTUAL PRICING)
$595
$1590
$2590
$6290
DOLLARS/RATED WATT @ MSRP
$1.49
$1.77
$1.99
$2.10
VOLTAGES AVAILABLE
12; 24; 48
12 - 48
12 - 240
HV/LV opt.
24 - 240
HV/LV opt.
OTHER INFO:        
WATER PUMPING
DC
w/battery
DC
w/battery
DC w/battery
DC w/battery
WARRANTY
3 yrs.
2 yrs.
2 yrs.
2 yrs.
EST. YEARS IN PRODUCTION
14 yrs.
10 yrs.
10 yrs.
10 yrs.
MFR. SUG.  ROUTINE MAINTENANCE
None
Annual
inspection
Annual inspection
Annual inspection
CHARGE CONTROL
AIR 403
Built-in
Incl. but
separate
Incl. but
separate
Incl. but
separate
* The Air 403 will produce 600 watts in a 38mph wind.  All information subject to change without notice.
 
 


EVENT HORIZON SOLAR & WIND
(269) 795.5285