Will an AIR-X power my home?
Not unless your power requirements are very minimal
and you wind speed very high. The AIR-X is designed for
remote battery charging at a site with modest power requirements,
and a good average wind speed.
Can I disconnect my AIR-X without damaging it?
You can disconnect the AIR-X without causing it any damage.
The AIR-X's sophisticated electronics control the voltage. The
turbine will become louder when it's disconnected, especially at
higher velocity wind speeds. It is not recommended to leave the
unit disconnected for extended periods.
Is it possible to short my AIR-X?
Yes, you can short your AIR-X without causing any damage;
however, be absolutely certain you do not short your batteries, as
this could cause serious damage, expulsion of sulfuric acid or an
explosion. First, disconnect the turbine from the battery and then
connect the turbine positive wire to the turbine negative wire.
Doing this will safely short the turbine and stop it from
spinning. In high wind conditions it will spin very slowly when
shorted. The stop switch (toggle switch) can be used to stop the
turbine by disconnecting the battery and shorting the turbine
wires.
Can the turbine be hooked up backwards to the battery without
causing any damage?
NO! If you reverse the polarity you will damage the turbine and
void your warranty. Be absolutely certain that you hook the
positive (red) wire to the positive battery post, and the negative
(black) wire to the negative battery post.
Where can I find the pipe and tubing to make a tower?
Most electrical and plumbing supply houses (and some hardware
stores) carry the schedule 40 steel or aluminum pipe. The AIR-X
utilizes 1 1/2" schedule 40 steel or aluminum piping; if you
use aluminum, ask for electrical aluminum conduit. The actual
outside diameter of the pipe is 1.875 inches, 48 millimeters.
Where can I locate a start/stop switch?
Also called a toggle switch, these are available from your
dealer or from most automotive or electronics parts stores. It
must be a 50 amp DC single-pole double-throw toggle switch.
Do I need a regulator for the AIR-X?
The AIR-X is internally regulated, with adjustable voltage
setpoints, so you do not need an external regulator. You can also
use any kind of "dump load" regulator that works with
solar panels if you desire to do so.
How does the AIR-X control power and RPM in high winds?
The AIR-X has a unique rotor blade set that is made of carbon
fiber reinforced thermoplastic. As the wind speed gets close to 45
to 50 mph (21.5 m/s), aerodynamic forces cause the blades to twist
and the rotor to stall. This is a passive function that slows the
rotor to protect it from excessively high wind conditions.
Why do I hear an unusual noise when the wind speed nears 50 mph
(22 m/s)?
When the aeroelastic blades twist due to high wind conditions,
the unit is stalling itself to protect itself. The noise is normal
and protects the unit in high wind conditions. If the noise is
undesirable, stop the wind generator by shorting the turbine wires
or through the use of a toggle (start/stop) switch.
Why is the body made of cast aluminum? Why not some other
cheaper or lighter material?
The aluminum body acts as a heat sink that cools the alternator
and electronics in high winds, at high power levels. The weight of
the aluminum also adds stability in high winds.
Why is there a cut-out in the unit's tail?
Balance - The cut-out helps to balance the AIR-X on
its turning axis to better track the wind. Since the turbine
weighs only 13 lbs (5.9 kg) and is properly balanced, more power
can be utilized from the wind no matter how slight or
directionally unstable.
Wind tracking - The cut-out also helps to create more
edge surface area which provides more directional thrusting for
turning the turbine into the wind.
Why is the LED (light emitting diode) located where it is?
The AIR-X and AIR-X Marine units have their LEDs located on
the belly near the tail; it's easier to see it there.
Will the LED burn out?
It should last a lifetime (and the unit will work fine even if
the LED gets damaged or burns out).
How long will the bearings or other wearing parts last?
The bearings should have a 10 year life in 12 mph (6 m/s)
average wind speed sites. Bearing life will vary from one site to
another; however, at least a five year performance in adverse
conditions and a 10 year performance in normal conditions should
be expected. The copper brushes should last a lifetime. The yaw
shaft has been tested to over 100,000 revolutions with no visible
wear on the brushes or slip rings.
What is the maximum wind speed the AIR-X will survive, and do
I need to take it down in a storm?
NEVER approach any wind turbine in strong wind conditions! The
AIR-X is designed to run without care in storm conditions. If
you wish to shutdown the turbine, use the start/stop switch to
safely short it. The AIR-X is rated to survive 100mph (45 m/s)
wind speeds. If higher winds are regular at your site, contact
your dealer for information about the Air Industrial units.
How do I know the turbine is charging?
You will need to install an amp meter in your system for
precise indication of your charging rate.
Why is the AIR-X so powerful for its size, weight and cost?
Nearly every part of the turbine has been developed from the
"ground up" using 3-D computer models to help analyze
every element of its design. This popular wind turbine features
the following:
--It utilizes a permanent magnet (PM) alternator that matches
the cubic power of the wind. All other PM alternators are linear
in their output and either stall or unload the rotor blades making
them much less efficient.
--The AIR-X uses 12 Neodymium Iron Boron magnets, the
strongest magnets available in the world.
--This unit offers blades with advanced airfoils made of
injection-molded carbon-composite materials that meet the
strength-to-weight ratio requirements of the computer assisted
design.
--The blades have aeroelastic twist that provides durability
and simplicity.
--The electronic circuit/alternator allows the turbine to
self-regulate.
--The conviction and high standards of the manufacturer , to
help change the world by providing quality renewable energy
innovations at a reasonable cost.
