We have a total of three wind turbines operating as of November 2003, they include two Southwest Windpower AirX,s and a Rutland 75.

The Rutland resting on a windy day

This is an AIR-X from Southwest Windpower with the following advanced features:

• Micro-processor based speed control -- Results in increased performance, improved battery charging capability and the elimination of "Flutter" noise from the machine.
• Peak-power tracking of the wind by optimizing the alternator's output on all points of the cubic curve more efficiently delivers the available power to the batteries.
• Smart controller -- controls the blade rotation speed thus eliminating the buzzing noise commonly found with other turbines.
• Carbon-reinforced blades with a modified pitch angle further increases power production

Previous AIR wind modules relied on their aero-lastic blade design for protection in high winds, causing a loud flutter noise in winds much above 35 miles per hour (16 m/s). The AIR-X's control circuitry monitors the wind speed and slows the blades as it reaches its rated output preventing it from going into "flutter". This results in a much quieter wind turbine. In high winds it will continue to produce power at a reduced level until the wind speed decreases, at which point the maximum output will be restored.

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The AIR-X limits power on the input side of the electronics by controlling the torque from the blades. Excess power no longer has to be dissipated by the electronics, resulting in lower stress on the circuitry, bearings and other components. Furthermore, stress on wind turbines occurs primarily in high wind conditions. Under these conditions, the electronic stall circuitry reduces blade rotation to 600 rpm, thereby significantly reducing turbine and tower loading

The Tower, guys and tensioners were made by us and are securely buried in concrete. The concrete blocks act as a variable counterbalance weight to enable one person to raise and lower the turbine in almost any weather conditions.

The turbine’s charge controller periodically stops charging and reads the battery voltage and compares the reading to the to the voltage setting. If the battery is fully charged, it completely stops all charging current. This function is performed within a few milliseconds. The closer the battery is to reaching its full state of charge, the more often the AIR-X's circuitry repeats this operation. This means that any batteryfrom 25 - 25,000 amp hours can be safely charged. Additionally, the wind tubine provides visual cues by slowing the blades to almost a complete stop. Only, when the battery voltage drops below the controller's set point will the wind turbine resume charging.