Small Wind Turbine Product Reviews
This category lists a number of reports on small wind turbines that were tested to international standards. There are also a number of critiques as well as commentaries on small wind turbine products included here as well. It is a continual source of amazement that people will spend tens of thousands of dollars buying a wind turbine before searching to see if there are any reports on whether the turbine works at all and, if it does, how well it works.
Commentary on the Skystream 3.7
By
Paul Gipe
The Skystream uses a 3.72-meter diameter, three-blade, downwind rotor. Southwest Windpower claims that this rotor will deliver 1.8 kW at its rated speed of 9 m/s and generate 4,800 kWh per year at an average annual wind speed of 5.5 m/s (12.3 mph).
Skystream Field Observations
By
Paul Gipe
Twice now on our way to Pearson International Airport in Toronto we’ve passed two Skystreams in operation at a shopping center. They’ve both been operating both times. That’s plus, we need a lot more operating turbines in the Greater Toronto Area. . . The French test site for small wind turbines has published a report on the performance of Southwest Windpower’s Skystream 3.7 wind turbine. . .
Renewable Devices Swift Mk II AEO
By
Paul Gipe
Britain’s Renewable Devices introduced its “Swift” micro turbine several years ago to criticism that its estimates of annual production were inflated. See Roof Top Over the Top in Britain. Since then the manufacturer has revised the claim of annual production on its web site.
New Federal Subsidies Distort the US Small Wind Market
By
Paul Gipe
Or How to Increase the Power of the Skystream 3.7 with the Stroke of a Pen
Aerovironment’s AVX 1000 Rooftop Turbines at Logan Airport
By
Paul Gipe
AeroVironment has installed 20 units of its AVX 1000 rooftop turbines on a building at Boston’s Logan International Airport. The 20 kW installation, part of what AeroViron[ment calls its “architectural wind system” contributed to the building’s obtaining a LEED Gold certification.
