offered by Busse-Yachtshop.com
AIR 403 Land Manual Document #0049 REV D
SOUTHWEST WINDPOWER 8/20/2001 37
12. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
These frequently asked questions are subdivided into six categories for ease of reference:
General Operation, Installation, Accessories, Wiring, Batteries, and Radio Interference.
Please take the time to read through ALL of the questions, and you will have a better
understanding of the features and operation of your AIR 403.
General Operation
Why is the AIR so powerful for its size, weight, and cost?
Almost every part of the turbine has been developed from “the ground up” using 3-D
computer models to help analyze every element of the design. As a result, this state-
of-the-art turbine features the following:
•= The AIR is the only turbine that uses a permanent magnet (PM) alternator that
matches the cubic power of the wind. All other PM alternators are linear in their
output and either stall or unload the rotor blades making them very inefficient.
•= The AIR uses 12 Neodymium Iron Boron magnets, which are the strongest
magnets available in the world.
•= This is the first wind turbine to use blades with advanced airfoils made of
injection-molded carbon-composite materials that meet the strength-to-weight ratio
requirements of this computer assisted design.
•= The blades have aeroelastic twist that provides durability and simplicity.
•= The electronic circuit/alternator allows the turbine to self-regulate.
Most important, is the conviction and passion of our team. While overcoming seemingly
insurmountable obstacles, together we have maintained our desire to help change the world
by providing quality renewable energy innovations.
#1 How does the AIR regulate my batteries?
The internal circuitry monitors the voltage at the output of the turbine. When the
maximum charging voltage is reached (adjustable by the potentiometer on the side of
the turbine) the Autobrake is engaged. This cuts off the turbine output, and the
blades are braked to a slow rotation. The Autobrake remains on until the voltage
drops to a level slightly below that of a fully charged battery (12.6V for 12V, 25.2V for
24V, etc.) At this point the Autobrake releases and the turbine resumes charging.
#2 Can the output of my AIR be changed by the potentiometer?
The AIR 403 produces 100% of the power of which it is capable according to the
wind speed. The potentiometer only changes the voltage setting at which the
Autobrake engages. Changing this setting will not increase the ampere output of the
machine but may overcharge your batteries.
#3 How do I adjust the regulator to stop charging at a specific battery voltage?
Refer to Section 4.4 on page 22.
