[RE-wrenches] Sound engineer for testing in NY?
Hi Wrenches, We are in need of a reputable firm or individual to do some field measurements of wind turbine sound emissions at a site in New York, near Albany. They need not live in NY, as long as they're close enough to reasonably travel there. I checked with the NYSERDA program manager, but he wasn't aware of any. So, I'm hoping this august group might have had some experience with someone they could recommend. Please send me any suggestions at rtay...@xzeres.com Thanks all, Ross Taylor ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] DC Power Supply for powering up SMA (or similar) inverters?
Hi all, Can anyone recommend a DC power supply they've used for powering up inverters, for programming purposes? I had a custom-made one, but it finally bit the dust. It was also bulky. Size/portability is a factor. SMA's usually stellar tech support folks were (I guess, understandably) reluctant to offer any guidance. 120VAC with an output in the 200-400VDC range. I don't have battery banks at these sites, so the only programming options are to wait for wind (be nice!!!) or power them up this way. I know there are a ton on-line, but I'm specifically hoping for some personal experience and recommendation. Thanks much! Ross ___ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/maillist.html List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out or update participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Reading Materials
Hi there Jesse, I've found that the Rolls and Trojan battery books are pretty informative and helpful for those new to batteries. This is probably not exactly what you intended, but I read and really liked this book: The Battery: How Portable Power Sparked a Technological Revolution, by Henry Schlesinger. It's more about the history and function of batteries, not specifically RE or off-grid at all. But interesting and well-written, nonetheless. Ross ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Subject: Re: Security on a ground mount?
The reality (which you already know, of course) is that there's no ideal security option. Even if the panels are riveted in place, nothing prevents the frustrated thief from trashing the panels. Kind of a no-win situation and height is your best friend. In fact, that's the true reason we don't ground mount wind turbines. You'll hear all kinds of people blame it on turbulence or diminished performance. Don't let them fool you - wind turbines are on towers to prevent theft. Ross (sorry, couldn't resist and YES I'm joking...) ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] SWWP Whisper 200 - looking for a short to ground.
Hi Ron, Alan, and everyone else... There were good suggestions provided, so I didn't jump in. I was traveling also, so got into this discussion late. But, I'm usually available (and almost always willing) to provide whatever knowledge support I can for Whisper products. Parts will be a problem, but I don't mind direct contact if someone has questions about the turbines, setup and configuration, troubleshooting, etc. So, feel free to make note of my direct, person email address. On a side note, in case anyone didn't hear, Xzeres purchased the IP and rights to the Skystream turbine. They didn't inherit the warranties on prior sales, but at least they have good support staff (like Therese, who used to be the Senior Tech Support Rep at SWWP) and they have parts for sale. And, of course, Air support is available through Primus Wind Power. For Whisper, your stuck with volunteer support... but I will try. Ross ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Whisper 500 service
Hi Nathan, thanks for the update after your site visit. Instead of emailing you directly, I'm responding here in the hope this info might be of help to others (now or in the archives) See my responses (some more helpful than others, I'm afraid...) below, after each of your questions: - Shock absorber appears in good shape other than the blown out polyurethane bushing. I can easily find complete replacements for the whole shock absorber, but haven't found anyone selling just the bushing, you wouldn't have any ideas where one could find that? Sorry, no help on this. I don't have any specs on that bushing, such as the durometer rating. But, I don't think the specs are particularly critical so (hopefully) you can find something at the auto parts store. - The SOOW cable coming from the brush assembly is cracked in several spots (picture attached.) Any chance for a field repair on this or replacement assembly from somewhere at this point? Or am I better off just sealing it up the best I can? The actual wires appear fine, just the outer layer is damaged. This cable should be connected, at each end, with standard wire nuts. If you cannot wrap it, to protect the inner conductors, it should not be a huge deal to replace it and the cable itself should be available at any electrical supply house or even a big box store. It's got 3 conductors. At one end, it's connected to the alternator output wires (grouped according to voltage configuration) and at the other it's connected to the three yaw brush wires. It should pass through a watertight cord grip fitting at each end. - The blade edge tape is basically intact except for a couple of inches of hanging flap, which the customer has told me has been that way since the original install. How bad does it have to get before you would worry about it? Any source for replacement? That tape should be a 3M polyurethane protective tape, also called blade (or helicopter) leading edge tape. I did a quick search on Amazon and found some similar products, but they aren't cheap. About $25 for a 2-inch by 12-foot package. But that's par for the product. The leading edge tape isn't really critical except in areas where the turbine blades are impacting hail, freezing rain, etc. Or, in Vietnam... but that's another story. I don't think I should post directly links to sales here, but if you search for "amazon helicopter leading edge tape" you'l find some. - This is a 48V system. Turbine wiring is confirmed correct, battery wiring is correct, but the diversion load is wired differently than in the manual. The diversion load is 4 ea. 0.75 Ohm resistors, looks like 2 x 2 series/parallel. It looks like the original installer removed the factory dump load wiring and installed their own. Do you have or know where I can find a more detailed wiring diagram for the diversion load? The manual is a little vague and doesn't anywhere show the actual diversion load wiring. First, did you check the DIP switch settings on the controller card too? That's one of the three configuration locations, plus the turbine alternator wires and the diversion load. Can you email me, directly, a photo of the diversion load? The manual is, indeed, vague. Having said that, though, this is the least critical of the three settings. And if the customer hasn't burned up the controller so far, it's probably just fine and not worth changing. The two indicators of improper configuration are either a burned controller or diversion load (if those are set too low compared to the voltage configuration of the turbine). For example, having the turbine alternator wiring set to 48 volts but having the diversion load and/or controller set to 24v. In this case, you'll get good low-wind-speed output. But you'll burn something in the stronger winds when they occur. And, they will occur. On the other end, a complaint or observation that the controller only shows a green charge light in very high winds, could indicate that the turbine alternator's set to a low voltage compared to the controller. Thanks so much Ross, it is really generous of you to answer being off of the SW payroll as it were. If you find yourself in Fairbanks, Alaska anytime, give us a call and we'll show you around and take you out to lunch! All best, -Nathan ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Whisper 500 service
Hi Nathan, I worked for SWWP for years and would be happy to speak with you and answer any questions I can. Definitely check the furling return spring and make sure it's not broken. It should be about 4.5-inches long. It's a plastic coated steel spring and when the coating cracks (especially in coastal environments) the spring corrodes and breaks. With a broken spring, the turbine can remain balanced in furl. Also check the shock absorber and make sure the shaft isn't corroded and that it moves freely in both directions. It's a dual-speed racing shock, moving faster in one direction (extension) than the other (compression). Verify that the phase-to-phase output voltages are similar. You'll have three measurements and they should be close. Of course, also check the bearings and fasteners as well. That's a given, sorry to state the obvious. While you're there, also make sure the original installer put the blades on right. The four-bolt pattern is symmetrical, so it's possible to install the blades backwards. Most folks not familiar with wind turbines would put the blades on with the curved side facing the wind... And, finally, see if the customer can provide you with any output data. If it's performing well, that's a good sign the blades were put on right and the voltages were configured correctly. But, if they called you due to low output concerns, then it might be wise to check the voltage settings. The 500 can be set up for 24, 36, or 48 volt systems. There are three things to change and if the original installer skipped one of them it can either lead to damage or low output, depending upon what was done. If you have more questions or need to bounce anything off me, feel free to email me directly. wind.trai...@gmail.com Best wishes, Ross ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] PV-direct electric water heating
You mean like this? http://www.ngeus.com/SunBandit.aspx ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Whisper turbine parts.
Hi all, Until Southwest Windpower ceased operations and closed all three offices about 6 weeks ago, I was their rep here on the list. My apologies for not responding to the recent Whisper question earlier. I've been out of the country and away from email, focusing on working out new employment for myself. That was successful and I'm back in Arizona now. I'll continue to participate in the list offering, as always, non-sales-oriented support and answers. I read the responses and the information is correct. Roy's been kept in the loop and others have picked up info second hand or via dealers. Let me give you the status, as I know it - filling in a couple of small gaps: Over a year ago, Southwest Windpower worked out a manufacturing agreement with Luminous to produce the Whisper 200 and 500 turbines in India. Luminous is a very large and, in India, respected battery and inverter manufacturer. They started a small subdivision to produce the turbines and the Southwest Windpower quality engineers worked hard to guide and improve the manufacture of the 200 and 500 turbines. During that time, the finished products were essentially being re-built in the SWWP factory in Flagstaff. Now that SWWP is gone, I cannot speak to the quality of the Whisper 200 and 500 products. I do know that the owner of that company is committed and serious about supporting the products, but there's not yet a process in place to do that. Several months ago, Southwest Windpower sold the manufacturing rights for the Air products to Primus Metals in Colorado. They started a wind division and picked up the rights, the production line equipment, and they also picked up some of the best staff (who'd contemporaneously been laid off by Southwest Windpower). The former Air production line manager (John) and the most experienced tech support guy (Bo) were in that group. They also picked up two Kens and some others. All great people and I'm happy they are still involved in Air. I'm not in any way affiliated with Primus, but I've kept up on what they're doing and I feel really positive about the future of the Air products. Primus has clearly made a strong investment in maintaining the quality and continuity, as much as possible. I, personally, wouldn't hesitate to purchase a Primus-made Air turbine. Southwest Windpower (or the remaining legal entity) still owns the rights to Skystream and Whisper 100. There are indeed seizure notices taped to the doors of the factory here. And, while supply chain vendors may (or, do) have parts in their stock, I understand they are not able to legally sell those to anybody. Since there's not a Southwest Windpower company to purchase them from, or to provide that support, owners of products purchased before the closure (2/20/2013) don't have any real options. Primus is only responsible for supporting warranties on the turbines they sold (rightfully so), but they do have and will sell Air parts. Skystream parts are not currently available from any known source, but I am aware of some former employees who are offering what software or programming support that they can offer. If you need Skystream assistance, please contact me off-list (directly). I'm not doing this, so this isn't a solicitation of business for myself. I'm just trying to make introductions and referrals that may help owners. There's not yet been official word or any update on the company web site, so I can't offer more than this. I see that the Flagstaff location was removed from the SWWP web site but the Germany and Colorado addresses are still listed. This has led to some confusion about whether it was just the Arizona office which was closed. I can assure you that all three offices were closed and operations were ceased. Like all the remaining employees, I lost my job on Feb 20th as well. I know there are still many dealers who aren't aware of the closure and I get contact (almost daily) from someone who wonders why nobody's calling them back. I'll help refer where I can, but please keep in mind that I'm not affiliated with Southwest Windpower any longer and that I am not speaking on their behalf. Best regards and wishes to all of you, Ross ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] RE-wrenches Digest, Vol 6, Issue 84
I completely agree, Roy. In the absence of labeling or a manufacturer's spec sheet indicating a higher rating on the bus bars, we've got to go by the disconnect or panel rating. But, every now and then you get lucky and I didn't want to overlook an obvious (or easy) solution for Garrison. Ever the hopeful optimist (after all, I work in the wind energy field)... Ross - > Message: 1 > Date: Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:38:24 -0500 > From: Roy Butler > To: RE-wrenches > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Conductor Sizing for Supply Side Connection > Message-ID: <5130e790.50...@four-winds-energy.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" > > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: < > http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20130301/1009c15c/attachment.html > > > > -- > > ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Put on your detective hats - what can cause this Outback and Morningstar damage?
Hi gang, I was at an off-grid site today and found damaged components. It's one of four identical sites and the configuration is proven. But, at one of the sites, there's some neighborhood opposition to the installation and I suspect vandalism. The opposition results from the locals' fondness for pilfering diesel fuel from the on-site generator. With the RE installation, diesel access is way down. Energy theft is also a problem, but I think not an issue here. The system has an Outback FX, a Morningstar TriStar TS-60 (as a diversion controller) and a suitable diversion load. I've used the TS-60 many times and found them, and the Outback, to be about bullet proof. So, here's what I know: The DC buss bar to which the Outback and the TriStar are connected is protected by a 100A DC breaker mounted in the side of the Outback FlexWare cabinet. Nothing odd there. But the breaker is fused or locked in the open position. The breaker toggle does not move freely. The TriStar was visibly charred - some small components from the back side of the card, near the +, were melted and laying inside the bottom of the cabinet. And, after replacing the TriStar, I bypassed the cabinet-mounted breaker (ONLY because there's another breaker on the line feeding this breaker) for a test. But, there's a direct short inside the Outback so it's clearly fried. So, with one fried TriStar, one fried Outback, and one fried breaker (that's a new one for me) I did some further inspection and found signs that someone had been inside the DC FlexWare cabinet and there's an arc weld on the POS buss bar. And, someone had removed one of the screws from the AC line buss in the AC FlexWare cabinet. The screw was laying inside the cabinet - not something I did when installing it 3 weeks ago. I'm guessing that, if someone was simply in the DC cabinet with a screwdriver and shorted across the +/- busses, I'd be looking at only a tripped breaker. And, of course, another arc weld/scorch on another buss or cabinet part (which is NOT present). So, given the observations above, I have a question - if someone fed 240V AC into the DC buss side of this system, could that account for the three damaged components? There is 240V available close by and some wiring found at the site makes me suspicious. Or, does anyone have any experience with similar failures caused by "natural" means and I'm way off base? Thanks much, Ross [Description: http://www.windenergy.com/_images/email-signature-logo-150x55.gif] Ross Taylor International Training Manager Telecom Systems Project Manager - EMEA Southwest Windpower GmbH Mannesmannstr. 6 50996 Köln Deutschland ross.tay...@windenergy.com<mailto:ross.tay...@windenergy.com> www.windenergy.com<http://www.windenergy.com/> Office: +49 (0) 221/ 16 53 94 50 Mobile: +49 (0) 15779554879 <>___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] RE-wrenches Digest, Vol 5, Issue 256
Surge protection: for the price and quality and function, it's almost impossible to beat the Midnight Solar SPDs. ___ Ross Taylor - International Training Manager Southwest Windpower (Sent "mobily" so please forgive brevity or typos) "re-wrenches-requ...@lists.re-wrenches.org" wrote: Send RE-wrenches mailing list submissions to re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.re-wrenches.org/listinfo.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to re-wrenches-requ...@lists.re-wrenches.org You can reach the person managing the list at re-wrenches-ow...@lists.re-wrenches.org When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of RE-wrenches digest..." When responding to posts within the Digest, be sure to restore the Subject: line to the original, and please edit out any extraneous lines from the quoted message. Today's Topics: 1. Re: Best practices for comp shingle flashing? (August Goers) 2. Surge Protection- PV (Keith Cronin) 3. Booster pump (Nathan Stumpff) 4. Heart Interface Inverter (mac Lewis) 5. Re: Heart Interface Inverter (Chris Mason) 6. Re: Heart Interface Inverter (bob ellison) 7. Re: Heart Interface Inverter (Jay Peltz) 8. Combating requests for itemized PV pricing (Jason Szumlanski) 9. Re: Combating requests for itemized PV pricing (Allan Sindelar) -- Message: 1 Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2012 11:48:14 -0700 From: August Goers To: RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Best practices for comp shingle flashing? Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Hi Eric, We've used TTi, EcoFasten, and Quick Mount. I like Quick Mount the best but they are a bit pricy so we've been using Eco Fasten for the majority of our work over the last year. If anything, I've found that TTi requires more labor and is more likely to require shingle cutting plus I'm gun-shy about their material quality. That said, the majority of our standard comp shingle mounts require no shingle cutting (although you might have to remove a nail or two) with Quick Mount or Eco Fasten. You just slide them up under the shingles as pictured in this video: http://www.quickmountpv.com/training/videos/classic-comp-install.html Maybe you have a different kind of comp in your neck of the woods? If you're really worried about it you can always take a sample out and see if you can slide it under the shingles without any cutting. It just might work. Good luck. Best, August *From:* re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *SunHarvest *Sent:* Wednesday, August 15, 2012 4:22 PM *To:* RE-wrenches *Subject:* [RE-wrenches] Best practices for comp shingle flashing? Thanks guys. Talked with TTi and mentioned Mr. Miller's experience with rust. They said they got a lot of feedback about this problem on their 1st generation line and have since corrected the issue. I'll remain cautious...thanks Willy. TTi, DPW, EcoFasten, and Quick-mount all seem to have the same issue of lacking versatility in height adjustment. Anyway, going to check out a sample from TTi. DPW and EcoFasten look like they still require cutting of both flash base and comp courses. I'm trying to avoid cutting anything as I want to avoid disturbing original flashing and original roofing material. Thanks for all your input!! Eric Stikes SunHarvest Solar A Sustainable Energy Group Partner +1 (530) 798 - 3738 www.harvesthesun.com -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org/attachments/20120817/59552db0/attachment.html> -- Message: 2 Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2012 13:52:31 -0700 (PDT) From: Keith Cronin To: RE-Wrenches Subject: [RE-wrenches] Surge Protection- PV Message-ID: <1345236751.89820.yahoomail...@web113414.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Hi folks What kinds of products are you using for residential and commercial surge protection for your PV systems? Have a few clients that have been asking. Is it at the service, using products like this: http://www.cooperindustries.com/content/public/en/bussmann/electrical/products/surge_protectiondevice/photovoltaic_spd.videos.html I always wonder what it protects and the fine print in the event of a lightning storm to someone hitting a pole on the street and sending the surge back into the property. ? Aloha, Keith -- next part -- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.re-wrenches.org/piperma
Re: [RE-wrenches] Monopole for Whispers
Hi Jeremy, try ARE as well. They make the Skystream towers and they also have some (at least one, I believe, but maybe others) for a Whisper-sized turbine. I'm away from my contact list, but Ken at SWWP can put you in touch with Hilda or Dion or someone there. Best wishes, Ross * * *Ross Taylor* International Training Manager Telecom Systems Project Manager - EMEA Southwest Windpower GmbH Mannesmannstr. 6 50996 Köln Deutschland ross.tay...@windenergy.com www.windenergy.com Office: +49 (0) 221/ 16 53 94 50 Mobile: +49 (0) 15779554879 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Bat deaths and wind turbines
Hi all, I wanted to address the current discussion regarding bat mortalities. Yes, I work for a wind turbine company so I certainly have a bias. But I'm not opposed to honest and accurate discussions and perspective. In that light, I wish to add some input and perspective about bats. I'm not arguing that bat deaths may not occur at wind turbine sites, but I strongly disagree with the whole "barotrauma" myth. Anyone who understands the physics of wind turbines and the mechanism of observed trauma should understand that the pressure differences between the front and rear surface of a wind turbine blade are not so great that they could "explode lungs and capillaries" within a bat. It would require a vacuum, essentially, to cause this and it just doesn't make sense. There's no vacuum involved here. And any bat which might be close enough to the blade to be in a lower pressure area would most likely be struck by that blade. Remember, we're talking about pressure difference - not an absence of pressure nor any pressure low enough to burst lungs. The Calgary study results are doubted by the bat biologists with whom I've discussed this and I've also been told that subsequent testing of this hypothesis showed that dead bat bodies, which were dropped from the height of wind turbine blades, showed the same lung damage as the researchers found in the Calgary study. These were bats which had died from natural or other causes, which were used in the testing. It was found that the ground impact, from the fall, caused ruptured lung tissue which looked identical to that found by the Calgary researchers. Keep in mind I'm not minimizing the deaths of bats which might occur, and I'm not saying that they don't happen. But if a bat body is found below a wind turbine it most likely died from impact and not some absurd vacuum-caused lung explosion. I hate the way this crock has been repeated and spread. Okay, off the soapbox now... Ross * * *Ross Taylor* International Training Manager Southwest Windpower GmbH Mannesmannstr. 6 50996 Köln Deutschland ross.tay...@windenergy.com www.windenergy.com Office: +49 (0) 221/ 16 53 94 50 Mobile: +49 (0) 15779554879 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Skystream tower heights
Hi Dan, Ian, and the others; Your points are valid and, Ian, thank goodness we offer a tower for your hypothetical "living under the tundra" situation. :-) In seriousness, I'm new to RE-Wrenches and I joined in response to one recent inquiry which was forwarded to me outside the list (that Sunforce question). As a new member, and a rep for a manufacturer, I am trying to tread lightly and respect the requests of the list moderator by not being seen as promoting our product or clogging the list. So, I'll back out after this and will continue to monitor and respond to specific questions about our products. The tower height question and issue is valid, but I'll let you wage that internally. But let me leave a few parting thoughts: 1) Despite working for one manufacturer, I've installed and worked on several brands and I am with you all in wanting to meet the customer's end needs and expectations. I'm also disgusted by the poor installations I've seen. I, too, have a good installation/bad installation presentation and there are lots of ours in both groups. And I know some members of this group have received some terrible installations photos of Skystream systems which I've sent them. I want to promote good installations, not crummy ones. 2) I'll respectfully suggest (and then duck!) that "the 30 foot rule" is a guide and is no more universally valid than "the 20 foot rule". If both cases, it implies an if-then certainty which doesn't take into account the variety of site conditions. Any who have attended my class will know that I discuss this and show that they're a useful guide, but there are lots of locations where a "60 foot rule" would be better. If you're looking at turbulence extending maybe 2X the height of an object and that object is 50-60 feet tall, then 30 feet may not be enough. I'm trying to teach proper site evaluation, not "use this tower or this rule." 3) We offer a 34-foot tower because, in some locations, it provides a good cost of energy solution. But, and this is a big and clear but, it is NOT a good option in any but some flat, uninterrupted, wide open areas. Those areas do exist, however, with enough frequency that our dealers demanded it as an option. In any but those isolated cases, though, a taller tower is required. 4) We offer towers up to 70 feet in height. That's not just monopole towers - we have guyed towers as well. So, even from us, nobody's stuck with a monopole in a situation where a guyed tower is better. And, to clarify/correct a statement made, our warranty is NOT conditioned upon using our towers. We are trying prevent installations on under-engineered towers which aren't designed to take into account dynamic forces of a wind turbine. We've seen failures of towers which were sourced cheaply and which were not designed to support a wind turbine. But, any dealer is free to buy a turbine from us and a 120-foot guyed lattice tower of their choice. The "up to 70 foot" tower limitation is just the limit of towers we sell ourselves, at least now. But that doesn't now, nor has it ever meant, that an installer can't use the properly engineered tower of their choice if they have a need to go taller - and some do, indeed. Go for it, with our blessings (and full warranty coverage)! 5) And, one last thought. We're not talking about a $50,000 turbine here. Closer to $5K. If you work the numbers, you might be surprised to find that it makes more sense to put in two turbines on 45-foot towers than one on a 120-foot tower. IF the terrain, vegetation, structures and other turbulence sources make that feasible. And, if course, there are also places where installing a wind turbine doesn't make economic sense - or common sense - and in those cases we'd rather say, "thanks but no thanks." Which brings us back to the original poster's question. And the point where I'll drop back into the shadows in respect for the wishes of the list mod. Best wishes all and, if you have specific product or training questions, I'll keep watching and helping as I can. Respectfully, Ross Training Manager - Southwest Windpower ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
Re: [RE-wrenches] Skystream supplier (bob ellison)
Hi Bob, I'm not sure if this was a question or a good-natured (I hope) jab. But, since you asked, I think it's appropriate to answer. We sell mono-pole towers for the Skystream in heights ranging from 34' to 70' and we also have guyed towers to 70' as well. Our most popular tower is the 45 foot and we actually discontinued the 34 foot tower. But, in places where that tower works just fine (coastal installations, the plains, etc) our dealers complained very loudly and requested that we re-instate it. So, we did and we do still sell those. I don't want to derail the original thread and I'm happy to discuss tower heights with you, perhaps offline, but I would respectfully submit that the right height for a wind turbine (ours or anyone else's) is that height which puts the turbine's rotor in clear air. That height will depend upon the terrain, vegetation, structures, and the wind conditions/speed. By better training our dealers, we're hoping that they will select the right tower for that site and the conditions which exist there. And this has, indeed, led to better installations. So, this is the reason the OP won't find a direct sales channel. Respectfully, Ross -- Message: 1 Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:09:01 -0400 From: "bob ellison" To: "'RE-wrenches'" Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Skystream supplier Message-ID: <000301cd24a0$d39bc1e0$7ad345a0$@com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Are you still selling the short towers? I guess that's answered.. That hurts small wind as much as the bozo installers. Just my .02 worth, Bob Ellison Ross Taylor Training Manager www.windenergy.com * * ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
[RE-wrenches] Skystream supplier
Hi Howie, Southwest Windpower changed their sales channels and policies about two years ago, to address and hopefully correct the many issues we'd seen with improperly trained installers (or homeowners or "self designated" dealers) and the resulting poor installations. So, Skystreams are no longer available through any internet sales channels nor will the distributors sell to anyone who's not a currently trained and authorized dealer/installer. I hope you understand the intent of this - it's to promote better quality installations. But, that means that you may not find the source you're looking for. On a related side note, because of problems we've experienced with improper towers and even some failures of unapproved towers, Southwest Windpower only sells the Skystream as a system with a tower. There are exceptions, in cases where there's a need for a tower we don't offer (say, more than 70-feet tall), but those have to be approved. I don't know the qualifications of your sister and brother-in-law, or the design of their tower, but we are trying to avoid installations on home-built towers because of the inherent risk and (often) lack of proper engineering review/analysis. So, again, I hate to lose a sale and put a damper on your plans to use a Skystream there. But, this sounds like it may be a case where it may not be a good fit for their plans. Sincerely, Ross Ross Taylor Training Manager www.windenergy.com * * *_* Date: Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:02:31 -0400 (Eas) From: "Howie Michaelson" To: "RE-wrenches" , "RE-Markets" Subject: [RE-wrenches] Skystream supplier Message-ID: <2800.24.240.130.86.1335294151.squir...@mail7.atypica.com> Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1 Anyone care to recommend a Skystream 3.7 distributor? I'm trying to get pricing on just a Marine grade turbine (they are building their own tower) for my sister and brother-in-law who is up near Halifax, NS. I will receive in Vermont and they will import themselves. They are aware of it's limitations. Any recommendations for an equivalent turbine (production and price range) would be appreciated as well. Thanks, Howie -- Howie Michaelson NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer? Catamount Solar, LLC Renewable Energy Systems Sales and Service VT Solar Electric & Hot Water Incentive Partner http://www.CatamountSolar.com <http://www.catamountsolar.com/> 802-272-0004 ___ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
