• Remote homes

• Getaway cabins

• Grid-connected homes

• Solar back-up applications

• Water pumping

• Sailboats

• Off shore platforms

• Telecommunications

• Remote Military Communications Power

• Cathodic Protection

• Site Monitoring

ABOUT SMALL WIND

The use of wind energy has been around for well over a thousand years. Its uses are only limited by the mind. However, there are certain physics that guide us on what it can and cannot do. People have often dreamed of a small device that can be installed on the roof of a house which can provide all the needed energy. What is not understood by the non-technical are its limits. Like anything in nature, there are limits to what is possible. Below we have put together a number of interesting facts about wind.

What is a wind generator?

The proper name of a wind generator is actually “Wind Energy Converter” that being a device that converts the potential energy in the wind to another form of energy. This can either be mechanical or electrical.

How does the wind generator work?

When the wind blows, the rotor blade stops a percentage of the wind. That percentage is what is converted into energy. According to physics, the maximum amount of wind energy that can be converted is 59.3%. This is known as the Betz Limit.

I’ve seen lots of different looking designs, which is the best?

There are a number of types of wind generators. Research has been done on virtually every possible concept with the objective of producing the maximum amount of power for the lowest cost at the highest possible reliability. Conventional experimentation has found that the horizontal axis upwind or down wind design to be the best concept. The most common designs include:

• Horizontal upwind: The generator shaft is positioned horizontally and the wind hits the blade before the tower.

• Horizontal downwind: The generator shaft is positioned horizontally and the wind hits the tower first then the blade.

• Vertical Axis: The generator shaft is positioned vertically with the blades pointing up with the generator mounted on the ground or a short tower.

There are two basic types of airfoils (blades) a lifting and drag type.

• The drag style airfoil is typically what you see with an old Dutch wind mill or American water pumping wind mill. The blades are generally a flat plat which the wind hits and causes to rotate. This type of design is great for very low wind areas and will develop a lot of torque to perform an operation. However, in medium to higher winds, their capabilities to produce energy are limited.

• The lifting style airfoil is what you see in most modern wind turbines and on airplanes. A properly designed airfoil is capable of converting significantly more power in medium and higher winds. Actually, with this design, the fewer number of blades the more efficient this design can be. Two European companies actually produced one bladed machines however, dynamic balance issues prevented them from becoming a commercial success.

ABOUT SMALL WIND

Southwest Windpower is the world’s largest producer of small wind turbines. You can find them used on everything from remote cabins to sailboats and other applications including utility connected homes.

According to the U.S. Census, more than 17 million homes in America are located on land that is appropriate for a small wind system. Could your home be one?

IS WIND RIGHT FOR ME? – There are four important factors to consider using wind as an energy source for your house.

1. DO I HAVE A GOOD SITE? Siting a wind generator is extremely important to the performance of the machine. It is the difference between a machine that give you lots of energy and a garden sculpture. The ideal location for a wind turbine is 20’ above any surrounding object within a 250 foot radius. This generally means your property should be at least one acre in size.

2. DO I HAVE THE RIGHT WIND RESOURCE? Wind is the “fuel” for your wind generator. You should have at least a 9 MPH average wind speed at your location. Wind maps are available for many countries and US states which will give you an idea of the wind resource at your house. Check out these maps and see if you have the right wind resource. You should live in a “Class One” or better site.

If you cannot find your wind resource on the map, there are other ways.

• Contact your the closest weather station, TV or radio station. Wind patterns can change over short distances. We don’t recommend airports as they are generally located in places with the lowest potential wind.

• If you have trees in your area, use the Griggs Putnum Wind energy index.  This looks at a tree and how the wind changes its shape.

If you still don’t know the wind resource, locate a Southwest Windpower Dealer in your area that can help you with a wind resource assessment.

3. WHAT ARE MY LOCAL LAWS: The next step is to determine if you have any local laws from a Home Owner’s Association or City or County that prohibit the use of towers.

You should research:

• If you have a Home Owner’s Association read the guidelines relating to towers or tall structures.

• Contact your local County Planning and Zoning authority and ask about the use of towers and tall structures. Remember, the tower must be 20 feet above any surrounding object, if it is not, then performance will be lower.

4. WHAT INCENTIVES AND PROGRAMS DOES MY UTILITY OFFER? By law, the local utility (company you pay your electrical bill to) must purchase any excess electricity from you. There are both utilities that encourage the use of wind systems and discourage it. Locate your electrical bill and then find the number for customer service. Ask them for a copy of the policy relating to “connecting a renewable energy system to the electrical grid”.

Finally – the best news of all. Many States in the union offer various types of tax incentives and even rebates for your wind system.

Click here for more information and specifications for the
 AIR X.

The all new AIR X from Southwest Windpower is a new generation of wind generators that brings the latest technology to your home, cabin or boat at very reasonable prices!

• 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.

• A new series of carbon-reinforced blades with a modified pitch angle further increases power production.

• The Air X are designed to be used in systems which are not also using solar panels.

More information on wind in your area can be found at your local airport.

The new Whisper 100 formerly the Whisper H40, Whisper 200 formerly the Whisper H80, and the Whisper 500 formerly the Whisper H175 have been redesigned for 2005.

Southwest Wind Power is always improving on their products and the new Whisper family can attest to their commitment to keep offering the best products they can and we are happy to be able to offer them.

                                                       Manual Spec Sheet Noise Report

NOW WITH A FIVE YEAR WARRANTY!

The Whisper 100 (formerly the Whisper H40) has been updated for 2005 with new features and added flexibility for your renewable energy system. Now, any Whisper 100 can have its voltage changed, 12-48V DC, within a few minutes in the field. The Whisper 100 is designed to operate in a site with medium to high wind speed averages of 12 mph, 5.4 m/s, and greater. The 100 provides 100+ kWh per month, 3.4 kWh per day, in a 12 mph average wind. Worried about noise? The Whisper 100 is one of the quietest wind turbines ever tested by the National Renewable Energy Labs. Click on the link above for a copy of the noise data report.

In addition to its patented smooth acting side furling design, the Whisper 100 has a number of new features that make it idea for any new or existing photovotaic system.

A new four bearing spindle for a smoother operation and longer life
An upgraded Yaw shaft that more efficiently delivers current to your batteries
New bronze bushing and larger diameter furling pin for smoother furling action
New castings that allow easy access to the stator for changing voltage

Included with every whisper is our new Whisper Controller. Unlike many of our competitors, the Whisper controller includes a diversion load to ensure quiet safe operation of your wind turbine when the batteries are charged.

It installs in minutes and it protects both your wind turbine and battery. The Whisper controller fits easily inside your battery room. Add the optional LCD display and you will instantly receive real time data on the performance of your Whisper 100. The display can be mounted on the controller or a 1000 (300 meters) away letting you know what is happening. You can even add an anemometer to your controller and now you can measure wind speed and compare it to the output to make sure you are getting the most from your Whisper 100.

The Whisper 100 is designed for even the novice. The Whisper can be installed in just a few hours with no welding, no concrete or cranes. Our engineers designed the work out of installing wind turbines. Now wind is as easy to use as photovoltaics.

Why small wind? Solar and wind resources often compliment each other. Generally when it is sunny it is calm and when it is cloudy it is windy. This complimentary effect is even greater during seasonal changes. During the winter and spring when the sun is at its least exposure, the wind is at it highest. A Whisper 100 during these periods is essential to keep your batteries charged and your lights on.

Exclusive to the Whisper, the side-furling Angle-Governor protects the turbine in high winds by turning the alternator and blades out of the wind, reducing turbine exposure. Unlike other wind turbines that lose as much as 80% of their output when furled, the Angle-Governor allows the Whisper to achieve maximum output in any wind.

Patented Angle-Governor

                                  Brochure

Manual

Spec Sheet Noise Report

NOW WITH A FIVE YEAR WARRANTY!

The Whisper 200 (formerly the Whisper H80) has been updated for 2005 with new features and added flexibility for your renewable energy system. Now, any Whisper 200 can have its voltage changed, 12-48V DC, within a few minutes in the field. The Whisper 200 is designed to operate in a site with low to medium speed averages of 8 mph, 3.6 m/s, and greater. The 200 provides 200+ kWh per month, 3.4 kWh per day, in a 12 mph average wind. The Whisper 200 does produce more noise than it’s 100 counterpart, but it does produce almost twice the power. Click on the link above for a copy of the noise data report.

In addition to its patented smooth acting side furling design, the Whisper 200 has a number of new features that make it idea for any new or existing photovotaic system.

A new four bearing spindle for a smoother operation and longer life
An upgraded Yaw shaft that more efficiently delivers current to your batteries
New bronze bushing and larger diameter furling pin for smoother furling action
New castings that allow easy access to the stator for changing voltage

Included with every whisper is our new Whisper Controller. Unlike many of our competitors, the Whisper controller includes a diversion load to ensure quiet safe operation of your wind turbine when the batteries are charged.

It installs in minutes and it protects both your wind turbine and battery. The Whisper controller fits easily inside your battery room. Add the optional LCD display and you will instantly receive real time data on the performance of your Whisper 200. The display can be mounted on the controller or a 1000 (300 meters) away letting you know what is happening. You can even add an anemometer to your controller and now you can measure wind speed and compare it to the output to make sure you are getting the most from your Whisper 200.

The Whisper 200 is designed for even the novice. The Whisper can be installed in just a few hours with no welding, no concrete or cranes. Our engineers designed the work out of installing wind turbines. Now wind is as easy to use as photovoltaics.

Why small wind? Solar and wind resources often compliment each other. Generally when it is sunny it is calm and when it is cloudy it is windy. This complimentary effect is even greater during seasonal changes. During the winter and spring when the sun is at its least exposure, the wind is at it highest. A Whisper 200 during these periods is essential to keep your batteries charged and your lights on.

Exclusive to the Whisper, the side-furling Angle-Governor protects the turbine in high winds by turning the alternator and blades out of the wind, reducing turbine exposure. Unlike other wind turbines that lose as much as 80% of their output when furled, the Angle-Governor allows the Whisper to achieve maximum output in any wind.

Patented Angle-Governor

                                                                                       Manual

Spec Sheet

Now with a 5 year warrenty

Serious power from a medium size small wind turbine – The Whisper 500 (formerly the Whisper 175) can produce enough energy to power an entire home. The Whisper 500 was completely redesigned in 2004 to work in harsh high wind environments. The Whisper 500 is a two bladed fiberglass reinforced blade and incorporates the patented side furling design that optimizes output at any wind speed. Assuming a 12 mph (5.4 m/s) wind, a Whisper 500 will produce as much as 500 kWh per month. That is enough energy to power the average California home.

Included with every Whisper is an EZ wire Controller. Unlike many of our competitors, this Controller includes a diversion load to ensure quiet safe operation of your wind turbine when the batteries are charged. The controller offers the best of both worlds (wind and photovoltaics). While controlling the voltage from your Whisper, it can also control up to 1000 watts of photovoltaics.
 

The Whisper 500 is not for the novice. Installation of the turbine requires concrete foundations and at times a crane to lift the wind turbine into place.

Why small wind? Solar and wind resources often compliment each other. Generally when it is sunny it is calm and when it is cloudy it is windy. This complimentary effect is even greater during seasonal changes. During the winter and spring when the sun is at its least exposure, the wind is at it highest. A Whisper 500 during these periods is essential to keep your batteries charged and your lights on.

Exclusive to the Whisper, the side-furling Angle-Governor protects the turbine in high winds by turning the alternator and blades out of the wind, reducing turbine exposure. Unlike other wind turbines that lose as much as 80% of their output when furled, the Angle-Governor allows the Whisper to achieve maximum output in any wind.

Patented Angle-Governor (Photos of Whisper 100)

Brochure

Enjoy the use of utility power while reducing your electric bill every time the wind blows! It’s been a dream of many homeowners and now it is possible. The Whisper Link 1000 Watt system will reduce or even eliminate your monthly electric bill.

Southwest Windpower mentioned in National Geographic’s article on Energy August 2005 About 1 year ago, Southwest Windpower David Calley was interviewed by National Geographic journalist, Michael Parfit. This discussion was part of a three part series on the world energy situation and how small wind can be part of the future solution.  In particular, Mr. Calley talks about the innovative new technology that Southwest Windpower will introduce to market in 2006. "Where Will The World Get Its Next Energy Fix?"

Whisper 500 Grid Connect Serious power from a small wind turbine – the Whisper 500 in combination with Magnetek’s Wind Interface and Aurora Inverter synchronizes with the power in your home or office, eliminating batteries and creating enough energy to pay an average monthly electric bill. Completely redesigned in 2004, the Whisper 500 works in harsh, high wind environments with its two fiberglass reinforced blades and patented side furling design optimizing output at any wind speed. Assuming a 12 mph (5.4 m/s) wind, a Whisper 500 will produce as much as 500 kWh per month. Available May 2006.

Is the Whisper Link or Whisper 500 Grid Connect Right for me?
Click Here to find out if your location is right for a Wind Turbine

U.S. State Rebate Programs
If you have determined that you have a proper location and you have a wind resource that is at least 9 mph, you will need to ensure that your state allows the connection of a small wind turbine into the grid and perhaps offers incentives.

More than half the States in the Union offer incentives of one type of another. These range from no tax on renewables to discounts on the Whisper Link system by up to 70 percent! Click on The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) then select your state to see what programs are available. Incentives are not critical but they can significantly reduce cost of your wind system. Most important in this issue is what is known as Net Metering. For a small wind system to be practical, a Net Metering law must be in place.