Whisper Wind Generators
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WHISPER LINK utility-tied wind generator
system allows you to enjoy the benefits of utility power every time
the wind blows! Depending on your wind resource, you can reduce or even
eliminate your monthly utility bill with this batteryless one kilowatt
wind generator. Southwest Windpower has developed this latest technology
using their Whisper H80 wind turbine, their own controller, the Whisper
Link, and the SMA Windy Boy Inverter. If you have a good wind resource,
you can generate as much power for a third the cost of a solar power
system; your Whisper Link system may be able to pay for itself in as
little as three years.
Wind energy—is it for you? Obviously, you need a good average
wind speed to make this cost-effective, 9 to 12 mph or better. Check
with your local weather sources and airports for this sort of
information; in the northwestern U.S. you can visit the web site www.windpowermaps.org
and get an idea of your area’s possibilities (www.nrel.gov/wind
for the rest of the country). You will need at least 1/2 acre for this
project. Zoning requirements are also a factor; you may need a special
permit or variance. Will your community and neighbors let you put up a
tower? Many municipalities won’t allow a tower over 30 ft.—which is
really way too short. If the winds are better on the surface they’re
even better aloft. Putting a wind generator on a short tower is like
putting a solar panel in the shade! You may have to consult with an
engineer or contractor for the tower construction, although the
Southwest Windpower tower kits make the installation pretty easy. Proper
siting is very important; the Whisper H80 needs to be at least 20 ft.
higher than anything else within a 500 ft. radius.
How does this system work? The wind blows, and the H80 wind
genny makes 120V power that goes to the controller , which steps the
voltage up to 400-600VDC; the Windy Boy inverter changes the high
voltage DC to utility-palatable 240VAC power, and makes your meter spin
slower (or even backwards, if you are making more power than you are
using).
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Specifications for the
Whisper H80:
- Rotor Diameter: 9 ft. (2.7 meters)
- Weight: 65 lbs (30 kg)
- Pipe Mount: 2.5” Schedule 40
- Start Up Wind Speed 7mph
- Voltage: 120V
- Peak Power: 1000 watts @ 26 mph (11.6 m/s)
- Controller: the Whisper Link; and you can download the
installation manual at www.windenergy.com
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Includes H80, Whisper Link Controller and Windy Boy Inverter
Call for pricing.
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| Safety Standards:
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Specifications for the Windy Boy Inverter:
- Max DC Power: 1800-2500 Wp
- Max DC Voltage: 400-600VDC
- Peak Efficiency: 94%
- Power Consumption <7w
- Weight: 66 lbs (30 kg)
- Size 17”x11.6”x8.4”
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While some of you may want to come up with your own tower,
it’s worth a look to check out SWWP’s guyed tower kits; everything’s
included except the 2.5” schedule 40 pipe and anchors (anchors are priced
separately, and the pipe is commonly available at hardware stores,
electrical or plumbing supply shops). Call for pricing.
Of course, if you have rocky soil like we do, you’ll probably be
utilizing concrete footers, but that doesn’t take rocket science. Call
us for some ideas if the augers won’t work for you.
Since this is a utility or grid-tied system, you will need to check
with your utility company before starting this project and find out what
sort of net metering plan they offer. While many utilities and co-ops are
amenable to net metering, some have not yet taken the first step towards
such a program. Many states offer various incentives that can make these
systems economical; you can see what your state may have to offer at www.dsireusa.org
You can also view information about residential wind systems at www.windenergy.com/PRESS/small_wind_guide.pdf
(long download time, over 1 meg). |
For additional information about wind power for
Americans: www.awea.org
And for our European renewable energy partners, www.ewea.org
Email or call us for further
information, (406) 777-4309. |
Renewables Create Jobs by the Union of Concerned
Scientists www.ucsusa.org
A September 2004 study by UCS found that a federal renewable energy
standard (RES) would create jobs, save consumers money and generate
additional billions of dollars in capital investment. Similar renewable
standards have already been put in place in 17 states and are being
considered in a number of others.
According to the UCS study, a federal standard that would require
electric utilities to supply 20 percent of their electricity by 2020 would
create more than 355,000 new jobs, save consumers more than $49 billion on
their energy bills, and generate more than $10 billion to the country’s
gross domestic product. This standard would also provide a much-needed
boost to the rural economies. For example, the RES could provide more than
$17 billion in payments to farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners.
The 20 percent RES will also reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 15
percent below the business-as-usual case and reduce harmful water and land
impacts from extracting, transporting, and using fossil fuels.
UCS is also releasing individual state results in Arizona, Colorado,
Iowa, Michigan, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania,
Texas, and Wisconsin. Most recently, a new Union of Concerned Scientists
study says Colorado's Amendment 37--the renewable energy ballot issue that
passed -- will save Coloradoans millions of dollars over the next 20
years.
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