Wind System

Thanks, that helps a lot. I will install the equipment at the tower, and run 110 to the house.

Does anyone see anything missing from my euqipment list?

Thanks,

Hmm... Reconsidering...

Ok, then in the end 220V will cost less, both in wire and I won't have to build a shed to house the equipment. Besides a shed would be ugly at the top of the hill...

I'll add 'Diversion Load' to my list. Altenergy.com includes one in their package.

Another question. How does one calculate the amps so one can calculate the wire sizing? The altenergy and SouthWest Wind Power web sites only have specs for the 175, which say that the max amps is 55 at 58Volts. That's the same as for the low voltage turbine. It seems to me the max amps would be the max watts / voltage - 3200/220 or 14.5 amps... Doesn't that make more sense?? Of course the amps at the output of the stepdown transformer will be different, but the long length will be 220V.

Lastly, does one have a choice in output Voltages in the step down transformer?

Thanks again!

Thanks, Ken fir answering all my questions...

I will be ordering the wind turbine and other euqipment in the enxt few months.

I am sorry to hear about the pricing issues. It makes me wonder too.

I don't know type of response your going to get to your questions here on the technical board. You might try putting up on the discussion board where they ask "How are we doing ?

I suggest that you escalate your effort. Give them a call, and ask for a supervisor of some sort. Then ask them to confirm whatever they tell you in writing. Hope you have copies of the original web page. The page seems to have changed in the last couple of days. It now says transformer extra. I would be interested in hearing your feed back once you get to the end of it.

I do not know how much total effort you want to put into this. I do not like games with advertised prices. But even when you get to the bottom line price, the cheapest price is not always the best price.

Buying a wind machine of this size is a big investment and you will need help with the installation. Might be a good idea to check with someone more local to you and see what their prices are. The local guy is the one that you will try calling when you really need help in the future.

Often there local knowlege can give you a better installation in the long run, which is worth many bucks. Do you want a $8,000 installation that you are unhappy with, or a $10,000 one that you are extremely happy with.

Good luck,
Ken (aka Oso)

Hello Richard,

Just saw this forum post... wanted to offer you some thoughts on what you are looking to do.  I am not sure if you had spoken with someone or if it was an emailed response you got from the store in regard to what is included with the Whisper 500... I apologize if you were misinformed.  The Whisper 500 does come with the EZ wire controller with diversion load included.  The lightning arrestor and the transformer are not included.  Also, you had asked about the wire sizing... and found the info on the Whisper 175, that is now the 500 so the specs should be the same (you can also get to the manual from the following link) Here is a link to the spec page if you want to check it out : http://store.altenergystore.com/Wind-Systems/Wind-Turbines-Electric/Southwest-Wind-Power-Turbines/Whisper-500-Wind-Turbines/WHISPER-500-EZ-WIRE-WINDPV-CONTROL-24V/p1458/
   I do think the 220volt transformer will make the most sense for cost effectiveness as well as practicality.  I also do think it is a good idea to try to work with a local installer who can provide the necessary service and support that is more difficult to provide from a remote location (plus, it's always good to support local business)... but please do not hesitate to call us with technical questions... we are all trained with regard to the various technologies and products and their applications.  If there is something a salesperson is not sure about, we have a technical department to verify the validity of any suggestions or solutions.

I will send you a quote and we can open a dialogue from there.. I also know a few folks (electrician/contractors) down in the islands.. which island are you doing the install on?

Hello Richard;
 I see the points well taken from Kenny and Jonny, seems so very expensive and complicated from a do-it-yourselfer view. Let me outline my system and will stand back for a while. I have 2 Air-X 400's 12VDC on my 80 ft tower..cost $1070 for both new. 100ft of #8 jacketed copper wire.. $135 new, (this is run down the tower to the charge controller) Charge controller $165 new. 6-15 watt solar panels (matching) $630 new. 3500 watt 12vdc to 110vac $235 new. Handheld voltmeter $65 new. This totals around $2000 not including my labor. I installed this in about two weekends and have been tinkering ever since (about two years). I originally used 4 deep cycle boat batteries with no problems, but since upgraded to 6 chloride batteries at about $200 each. All above NOT including batteries were purchased on Ebay and delivered to my home here in New England. Now for the rest of the story, I run my home 95% on this system, I am grid connected and only my refrigerator, water pump and my garage apartments clothes dryer and refrigerator are on the grid.
 I have recently built and installed a tracking system for the solar panels to follow the sun all day for about $200 in parts again on Ebay delivered.
 Nothing complicated, no burned parts, no burned fingers, no shocks, simple me can work on it and simple me built it!
   Steve

Hi Richard;
 Yes, you do need a larger system, but you can get 12 volt fridge's also. I was thinking that you may be in an area where solar may be less of a hassle with the tower and all. For what I remember, Honduras has about 100% sun year round. Maybe that solar would be your best bet for primary and wind as secondary.
   Steve