146 Watt Vertical wind turbine starts in 1 MPH winds

We hear from our customers that when the sun isn't shining the wind is blowing.  This small wind turbine has big features that make it ideal to augment Solar Photo Voltaic systems.

Savonius turbines are well known for high torque, silent operation and robustness. This robust unit is designed around our high strength proprietary plastic design retains the heritage of strength while providing optimal performance.   This  turbine incorporates modern design based on airfoils to maximize efficiency while a simplified mechanical model makes it strong winds.  

This turbine self starts turning in 1 MPH winds and provides high torque even in low winds. This makes it ideal for locations where the wind is erratic and turbulent.   This turbine is designed to do start charging in winds as low as 8MPH.  

Ultra Strong, Ultra Robust

This unit includes ball bearings support top and bottom. The standard ball bearings give the extremely low resistance which allows the unit to start turning at under 1.0 MPH. They will provide long life are quiet and allow easy self start.  

Bird safe

One advantage of the relatively large Savonius turbines is that they turn slower than their horizontal axis propeller based relatives. Even in high winds the unit is turning slow enough to avoid injuring a bird.

Low noise

Wind turbine farms have a terrible reputation for noise. Part of this is caused by the lift based designs of the propellers which turn the propellers at speeds substantially higher than wind speed. This unit is nearly silent. In 20MPH winds I could hear no noise at all from the unit. At 30MPH there is a slight sound of rushing air as it blows through the center cavity since it is accelerated like a Venturi through the center. 

Power

Our Power estimates use a CP of 0.27 although our design may be a bit higher. It uses a assumption of a electric generator which is 85% efficient and that the bearings and gears are 95% efficient.    

At speeds above 40MPH the efficiency drops off which is part of the design to help protect the unit from damage in high wind speeds. As a result calculations for wind speeds above 40MPH would be inaccurate. These estimates are based on a university formula not empirical test results. A CP of 0.27 was used with a 85% efficient generator and 95% efficient bearings.

Installation

1. The support frame is re-assembled and bolted together.
2. The support frame is stood up and supported by the diagonal braces. (two people make this step easier)
3. The support posts and the diagonal braces are fastened to their ground support
4. The two turbine halves are bolted together. (Two people make this step easier)
5. The main axel brackets are inserted into the top and bottom holes.
6. The main turbine is then set in place temporarily resting on the main axel braces.

Conditions:

1. Each unit is custom made when payment is received. In most cases items are shipped within 1 week of order. During times of heavy order volume we tend to become backlogged and it may require up to 3 weeks to ship order.
2. We buy parts for your turbine and as such there is a 50% fee for returned items.
3. Using a Tower will increase the wind speed the blades are encountering. According to some text books each 60 foot of elevation off the ground will yield 2MPH increase in wind speed. Our frame assumes you will be installing the turbine frame directly on the ground. It needs to be above any near by fences or at least 150 foot away from the nearest building when ground installed. The mounting frame is easily adapted for tower top installation but we feel that the ease and simplicity of ground based installation may make it better to install more turbines instead.
4. Moving water packs a incredible punch so even our super strong design may not withstand floods where moving waves hit the unit. Hurricane driven waves and tsunami will invalidate any warranty and are likely to destroy the unit.
5. Shipping is flat rate $18 in continental USA. International, Alaska and Hawaii may cost extra.
6. When installing on top of a RV you  most often do not have 36" of vertical room and still stay within legal limits.   We offer a shorter wider unit for RV's but.  Please see a RV professional for installation according to local laws.   
7. These units experience high torque in high winds which is sufficient to damage some car top luggage racks.  It is not recomended to leave the unit installed when driving faster than 20 MPH.      
8. This charger is capable of producing large amounts of power especially in high winds.  It is recomended that a charge controller be used to limit charging current to the battery bank if used for extended periods of time.

We are interested in your feedback. If you would like this type of turbine but would like it in a different size or equipped with different options then let us know what you are looking for and how much you are willing to pay.