Southwest Wind Power Air-X Blades Spare Blades for Air X

Q. What is the difference between the Air-X replacement blades and the Air-403 replacement blades?

A. The AIR-X blades differ from the AIR 403 blades in their tip angles. The AIR-X blades have an increased tip angle which improves their ability to start rotating, and moves “flutter” to higher wind speeds. Unlike the AIR 403 and earlier 303, the AIR-X does not rely on blade flutter for over-speed protection. The control electronics will slow the blades before the turbine reaches the point of flutter. Increasing the tip angle helps to ensure that the flutter noise is not heard.

Q. My Air wind turbine seems to start spinning but then quickly slow down and not work. What's wrong?

A. Because the AIR series have internal electronic charge controllers, they must be connected to a battery bank with a voltage of at least 10.5 volts DC in order to function. When customers observe that their AIR is spinning up then braking in a repeating cycle (spin up to speed, LED flashes for a second or two, then a sudden braking) this almost always indicates that the AIR is either not connected to the battery bank or the battery bank is bad. Common causes are a failed wire connection, a blown fuse, mis-wiring the stop switch, grossly undersized wiring, or severely discharged or damaged batteries.

Q. Can I connect my AIR directly to a pump or light?

A. No. The turbine has an electronic controller and it must be connected to a battery bank to function properly. The turbine cannot be connected directly to a load such as a pump, fan or inverter.

Q. Why am I only measuring 5 or 6 volts from my AIR?

A. The turbine controller circuitry must sense a battery bank voltage of 10.5 volts (for a 12V turbine) or 21 volts (for a 24V turbine) in order to operate properly. If you attempt the "drill spin" test, as outlined in the Bench Test section of the manual, please note that the turbine must be connected to a battery. If done without the battery connection, you will only measure a fraction of the rated voltage output. This is normal.

Q. How do I know the AIR is charging?

A. For a precise indication of charge current you will need to install an amp meter (ammeter) in your system. The meter or meter shunt should be installed in-line on the positive wire. Almost any amp meter with a suitable current capacity and range will work. We offer a 30 Amp ammeter (in the search bar above on our site, just search for the phrase '30A ammeter').

Q. Can I run my AIR through my solar panel controller?

A. Because the turbine must be able to sense battery bank voltage, the AIR cannot be run through external controllers or devices that contain diodes. These are frequently found in solar panel controllers, to keep the panels from discharging at night - but, these diodes will put the turbine into "open circuit" mode and prevent energy production.

Q. How do I use the stop switch?

A. When wired as shown in the manual diagram, RUN is up and BRAKE is down. Do not use the center switch position - this is "open circuit" and the turbine will not produce any charging energy for you. Worse yet, this position will cause the turbine to repeatedly cycle between spinning and braking, which can cause excessive wear and can void your warranty. The stop switch is included with the Marine version of our AIR products, so that sailors can turn off the turbine while in a slip or mooring. In other cases, the stop switch is not needed and the AIR will brake on its own when in regulation or during extremely high wind speeds. If your installation calls for a stop switch, you can purchase a 50A stop switch (in the search bar above on our website, just search for the phrase 'stop switch').

Q. What does the red LED indicate?

A. The red LED on your new turbine can provide important information. When steady, the AIR is charging. Slow blinking indicates regulation. If you don't see a charge indicator or regulation flashing, under normal operating conditions, then check your wiring for bad connections or breaks. Don't forget to check the fuse or circuit breaker.

If you own this product write a review!

Good! by Bhikkhu Samahita

Rating:

Comes as a ballanced set. Good to have if breakdown.

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