Q: How does the wind turbine control power and RPM in high winds?
The wind turbine controls power and RPM in high winds through an internal braking system managed by the MPPT charge controller. This automatically halts turbine operation to prevent damage caused by overcharging or over-spinning of the rotor blades, ensuring safe and efficient performance even in extreme wind conditions.
Q: What is the maximum wind speed the wind turbine will survive and do I
need to take it down in a storm?
The wind turbine is built to withstand most weather conditions. If winds exceed 30 mph (13 m/s), it's recommended to use the manual stop switch to prevent over-spinning. For stronger winds, up to 112 mph (50 m/s), it's necessary to lower the tower to ensure maximum protection for the turbine.
Q: How long will the bearings or other wearing parts last?
Based on engineering calculations, the bearings are expected to last up to 10 years in locations with an average wind speed of 6 m/s. While the lifespan may vary depending on conditions, you can generally expect at least 5 years of performance in harsher environments and 10 years in typical conditions.
Q: Can the wind turbine be connected in reverse-polarity to the battery
without causing any damage?
Reverse polarity will cause damage to both your MPPT controller and battery
if not quickly remedied. Always double check any wiring to reduce the risk of
reverse polarity. Your turbine is equipped with polarity protection to reduce
the risk of damage, but it is still possible to degrade your wiring and cause
damage to the overall system.
Q: Will it hurt my wind turbine to short-circuit the output?
No, the wind turbine is designed to be short-circuited as a normal shutdown
procedure by a fuse. The function of the stop switch is to disconnect the
turbine from the batteries as well as short-circuit the output of the turbine.
Q: Where can I locate tubing to make a tower?
Your wind turbine is designed to make mounting as simple and
straightforward as possible. Should you not wish to purchase the custom
tower kit feel free to utilize schedule 48.3 mm steel tubing. This should be
available through your local hardware outlet.
Q: What is the difference between copper and aluminum wire?
What is the difference between copper and aluminum wire?
Generally, aluminum wire is less conductive, so it must be bigger for the same
amp load and resistive losses as copper. The wind turbine uses copper or
tinned copper for the yaw wires.
Q: What battery should I choose for my wind turbine?
There are multiple battery options in today’s market– flooded lead-acid,
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM), Gel cell, NiCad and Lithium-ion. There is no
definitive choice for your alternative energy needs. Normally the choice of
battery is determined by availability and pricing. Should you have questions
regarding batteries please consult a local battery supplier, or view: www.
batterycouncil.org. The capacity of your battery bank is determined by your use.
Q: What effect does radio interference have on my wind turbine?
The internal circuitry of the wind turbine is shielded and filtered to prevent
radio interference and has been tested to ensure electromagnetic compatibility.
See more FAQ's and answers in the user manual on page 25: <link to user manual>
