Zephyr combines advanced wind turbine technology with Japan’s world-renowned manufacturing craftsmanship, to successfully develop the Airdolphin Z-1000-48 PRO 1000 watt wind turbine — a next-generation, low-mass wind turbine which instantly adapts to changing wind conditions, from slight to stormy.

The total weight of the Airdolphin PRO is 17.5 kg (38.5 lbs). Unlike larger turbines, the Airdolphin’s low mass allows it to be mounted on existing structures like remote telecommunication towers, transmission line pylons and billboards, as well as near roads, railways and airports. Even factory and urban rooftops can become cost effective locations for producing usable electrical power.

The Airdolphin PRO is also ideal for:

? Mountainous areas

? Ocean areas and islands

? Repeater stations

? Remote monitoring sites (web cameras, GPS receivers, wireless applications)

? Street lights (no utility electricity required)

? Public facilities (dams, weather observatories, etc.)

? Communication base stations

The blades of each Airdolphin are created with Zephyr’s patented SD blade technology (noise reduction ridges). Their designers were inspired by the feather patterns of owl wings, which allow owls to fly in silence. This technology applies a series of thin ridges to the surface of each blade, creating micro vortices to keep the airflow attached to the airfoil longer than conventional blades, thus reducing decibel count.

Thomas Ackermann(Editor)

As environmental concerns have focussed attention on the generation of electricity from clean and renewable sources, wind energy has become the world’s fastest growing energy source. The authors draw on substantial practical experience to address the technical, economic and safety issues inherent in the exploitation of wind power in a competitive electricity market. Presenting the reader with all the relevant background information key to understanding the integration of wind power into the power systems, this leading edge text:

• Presents an international perspective on integrating a high penetration of wind power into the power system
• Offers broad coverage ranging from basic network interconnection issues to industry deregulation and future concepts for wind turbines and power systems
• Discusses wind turbine technology, industry standards and regulations along with power quality issues
• Considers future concepts to increase the penetration of wind power in power systems
• Presents models for simulating wind turbines in power systems
• Outlines current research activities

Essential reading for power engineers, wind turbine designers, wind project development and wind energy consultants dealing with the integration of wind power systems into distribution and transmission networks, this text would also be of interest to network engineers working for power utility companies dealing with interconnection issues and graduate students and researchers in the field of wind power and power systems.

Microprocessor-Based Technology

The AIR is by far the world’s number one selling small wind turbine.In late 2001 we introduced an entirely new level of technology previously found only in state-of-the-art mega-watt-class wind turbines.

The Air X incorporates a new microprocessor-based technology that results in increased performance, improved battery charging capability, greater reliability 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 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 most small wind turbines.

Quieter operation

Previous AIR wind modules relied on their aero-elastic blade design for protection in high winds. This caused a loud flutter noise in winds above 35 mph (16 m/s). The Air X 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 potential output will resume.

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 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 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.