The wind system should be situated so that it has direct exposure to the prevailing winds. Typically that means the NW exposure for winter winds and SW exposure for summer winds. This will vary based on terrain and other topographical influences. The wind tower height should be selected based on a minimum of 20 feet above any tree or building within 250 feet of the prevailing winds.

 

 

Take a close look at your electric bill and determine which size turbine will come close to eliminating the bill. Use the power curve and a wind report as a way to calculate how much power the size turbine you choose will generate. Then check to see if it is within your budget and calculate the payback.

 

A wind turbines’ output is directly related to the rotor diameter. You can only capture a fixed amount of power out of the wind based on how wide the wing span is. This is why most manufacturers use the rotor diameter (in meters) as part of the model number. Conversely most consumers want to know how much power the generator can put out. If you mismatch the system you won’t receive all the power it can produce.  A large rotor diameter connected to a small generator will capture more wind power in low winds. All TECWIND Turbines are designed for low winds. Other manufacturers have matched a 7.8 meter (26 feet) rotor diameter with a 12.5kW generator so that the wind needs to be much higher to start and more wind is needed to capture all the power the generator is capable of. The consumer will typically pay less and produce more power in lower winds with a TECWIND Turbine due to the larger rotor diameter system and smaller generator. This will result in a shorter payback compared to other turbines in its rotor class size. 

 

 

The main consideration for tower height as discussed earlier is to make sure that the blades are at least 20 feet above any obstacle within a 250 foot radius on the prevailing wind side. The other consideration, assuming that local ordinances will permit you to go higher, is the amount of power you will receive as you go higher. Typically the cost of a tower to go higher is not substantial. Therefore the payback will be quicker because the amount of power you have produced will accelerate the payback. For example, if you have a 30 foot tower as a baseline of output and you go to 60 feet, your output will increase by 41%, and if you go from 30 to 90 feet the output will increase 75%. The only other factor involved in the decision is initial outlay of the capital to go higher. So if you can afford it go higher.

 

 

Once the turbine size and tower height have been finalized the soil type needs to be determined. If it can be compacted to 2500psf (pounds per square foot) it is good soil which is in class 1 to 4. If it is sandy or clay it is a class 5 soil and can only be compacted to 1500psf. There are 2 sets of drawings available which will tell you what the foundation size is for all of the TECWIND Turbines and tower. If you have ledge on your property, this can be determined by digging or probing with a pipe in the area, a separate set of drawings are available. Choose the appropriate foundation size based on the tower height and turbine size based on the chart in the soil class drawing.

 

 

The excavation of the site can commence once the permit has been issued. Typical foundation depth is 4 feet. You will need to precut the rebar according to the drawings and set the anchor bolts in place with a template or base plate. Also, the trench for the wiring and conduit in the concrete will need to be installed. Check with the local codes to see the requirements for the trench. Some towns require 18 inches deep for direct burial wire and others may require a conduit. Refer to the instruction manual and drawings for foundation details.

 

 

Wire gauge sizes go backwards in numbering. For example, computer and phone wires are 18 to 22 gauge and a typical extension cord is 14 to 16 gauge.  The further away from the power panel you are the heavier gauge wire you will need. All TECWIND Turbines come with 150 feet of wire for the system. You can go up to 300 feet with the same gauge wire supplied. If it is further than that you will need to go to the next larger wire size. For example, the T5.6-5.4kW comes with 8 gauge wire and will need to go to 6 gauge wire if you have a run of 300 feet or more. If you use aluminum instead of copper you will need to go down another size to 4 gauge in this case.

 

 

The controller and inverter do not have to be located at the main power panel. The inverter can be connected anywhere you have a sub-panel, such as in a garage or shed. If you decide you want to have a shed next to the wind turbine you can run wire from your main panel to that location, install a sub-panel and connect the inverter and controller to this new location.

 

 

Before you connect to the grid you will want to have a net metering agreement with your local power provider. Some power companies like to inspect the installation before you can turn on the system. They will probably want to see the UL1741 certificate which is supplied with each system to make sure that the system meets this requirement. UL1741 is a standard that is required so that if the grid goes down the wind system if tied to the grid will also go down. This is called anti-islanding which means you cannot be your own “island” creating power and still be connected to the grid. This of course is to assure that there isn’t any power on the line while the linemen restore the outage.

 

 

Follow the instructions in the manual for the turbine and tower combination you have purchased. Make sure the concrete of the foundation has cured for 30 days. Do not raise a tower on a windy day. Decide if you are going to use a crane or lift kit for the tower erection. If you decide on a lift make sure you have all the components for the lift, i.e., shackles, cables, correct gin pole and a winch rated high enough for the tower and turbine. One person should be in charge of the lift so that there is no confusion in the communication. Always perform a test lift to ensure that the wind turbine can be raised smoothly and safely. Install all the wiring of the system and test it to be sure everything is operational before lifting the system. Once the wind system has been powered up the blades should spin freely. Always check all cables, shackles, clamps, fittings, nuts and bolt torque on the blades and hub so you have the confidence that everything is done right before the final lift.