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 speed control results in increased performance, improved battery charging capability and the reduction of flutter noise. 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. The new electronics are a considerable improvement over the AIR 403 controller that consists of diode-rectification and a simple on/off voltage switch.
Much Lower Noise: Previous AIR wind modules relied on their aero-elastic blade design for protection in high winds, causing 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 output will resume. The Benefit: Quieter and neighbor-friendly operation.
Southwest Windpower is committed to continuous improvement on our products. Since the AIR line of products was introduced in 1995, we have made vast improvements in the line. This sheet outlines the improvements made to the Air Breeze from the Air X.
New Blade Design - With 30% more area, the wider airfoil provides lower startup, improved overall performance and greater durability. The new airfoil design now includes a boundary layer disruptor or trips for contributing to quieter operation.
New Controller - Improved Electronic Stall Control reduces shutdowns in high winds. Improved power tracking maximizes energy production at all wind speeds. More robust FET (Field Effect Transistors).
Improved Blade Assembly - Blades easily lock into the hub with a single fastener for each blade, for quick, fool-proof attachment. Innovative new blade hub increases the strength and safety of Air Breeze without adding any additional weight or materials. Nosecone snaps in tightly for secure operation.
In third-party sound testing, Air Breeze was found to emit the same sound levels as background sounds (wind and surrounding ambient noises).
Rather than focusing on Watt ratings, Southwest Windpower is moving more towards around ENERGY output of products, such as kWh output, as this is how we use energy in everyday life. The measurements above show how the Air Breeze has improved outputs to the Air X, especially in lower wind speed. In higher winds, the measurements are almost the same.
* Sailboats - Recreational/cursing boating
* Offshore beacons and remote monitoring equipment
* Oceanside homes & cabins
* Water pumping
* Battery charging
* Science & education projects
Design changes are primarily found within the body of the turbine:
*New microprocessor-based controller.
*New "wave washer" combined with looser bearing-to-body tolerances are incorporated into the face bearing set. This results in lower compression on the bearing/race, with quieter running and lower startup speed. It also lowers stress on the bearings and shaft when subject to twisting forces during normal operation.
*New series of carbon reinforced blades.
*More robust tower clamp and yaw assembly for stronger and more secure tower mounting.
*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. The Benefit: Greater confidence in turbine operation in high wind conditions without manually operating the stop switch.
Improved resistance to the effects of the sun, wind and water: AIR-X marine has vastly improved body preparation and applications of the marine paint during manufacture, ensuring durable powdercoat protection of the body and internal components, even when subjected to the most extreme sun, wind and water conditions.
* 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
* Robust tower clamp and yaw assembly for stronger and more
secure tower mounting
* Maintenance-free - Only two moving parts
* Full Marine Tower Kit available for easy boat mounting
*Auto-brake-feature that slows the AIR to a silent spin when the batteries are charged
* Marine powder-coating and stainless steel fittings for corrosion protection in a marine environment
* High Wind Safe Mode - Automatically slows turbine in potentially damaging winds.
* Neighbor Friendly.
Rotor Diameter: 46" (1.14 meters)
Weight: 13 lbs (6 kg)
Start up wind speed: 7 mph (3 m/s)
Voltage: 12 & 24 VDC (36/48 VDC available soon)
Output: 400 watts at 28 mph (12.5 m/s)
Ships Within 24 Hours