Eclectic Energy - Model D400 -Wind Generator

The air blades are precision injection-moulded from glass reinforced nylon and as well as featuring taper and twist incorporate a special low-Reynolds airfoil section which varies continually in camber from tip to root. Because of the production method used, the blades are extremely consistent in terms of mass and can be replaced singly should damage occur without losing turbine balance. The alternator and yaw shafts are precision-ground from 316 grade stainless steel,and the D400’s body is a robust aluminium alloy casting.

The bearings are high quality and generously sized, and are protected by twin-lipped radial shaft seals. The tail is formed from aluminium sheet into a shallow ‘S’ section in order to impart stiffness and prevent resonance. All aluminium parts are etched, alachromed and finished in a tough polyester powder coat.

The D400 utilises a 12-pole, 3-phase axial field alternator of very high efficiency. It comprises two large annular magnet rotors with stator coils positioned in between. The stator coils themselves are wound from heavy gauge copper and are encapsulated in a heat-conductive resin. This in turn is bolted to a machined shelf within the aluminium housing, so ensuring excellent heat dissipation from the machine.

Unlike typical wind generator alternators Eclectics Design is ironless which means that the alternator rotates completely freely without the cogging associated with conventional radial configurations. This means that when operating D400 is virtually vibration free and no mechanical noise is transmitted to the yachts cabin.

A combination of the advanced air blade and alternator design delivers unparalleled efficiency in low wind speeds together with the ability to produce sustained high outputs in high winds.

Eclectic Energy Ltd’s attention to design and quality should ensure your D400 gives years of trouble-free service.

• Ideal for mounting on buildings or boats
• Virtually silent and vibration free in operation
• Highly efficient and productive at all wind speeds
• Low maintenance `fit and forget` engineering
• Attractive, visually pleasing design
• Robustly constructed for a long service life
• Corrosion-resistant materials used throughout
• Flexible mount tower options
• Available in black or white

Rated output

• 235W at 11m/s (22kts)
• 420W at 14m/s (28kts)
• 12, 24, 48 volt machines available
• Rotor 1.1m diameter
• Turning circle 700mm
• Weight 17kg

Performance

• Rated power: 235 W @ 11 m/s (22 knots), 420 W @ 14 m/s (28 knots)

Power outputs

• Maximum power: 600 + W
• Rotational speed: 1100 rpm @ 14 m/s
• Cut-in speed: 2.5 m/s (5 knots)
• Cut-out wind speed: None

Turbine features

• Turbine type: Horizontal axis upwind
• Number of blades: 5
• Airfoil type: Low Reynolds – variable camber
• Diameter of turbine: 1.1 m
• Swept area: 0.95 sq. m
• Tip speed ratio: 4
• Typical noise level: 2 – 6 dbA over background
• Blade material: Glass-filled nylon

Alternator

• Alternator type: Direct drive – axial field

Features:

• 12 pole permanent magnet generator

Design:

• 3-phase AC with rectification
• Outputs direct current (DC)
• Annular high energy magnet rotors
• Encapsulated stator windings

Voltages available:

• DC: 12 V, 24 V, 48 V, 72 V
• AC: 240 V grid connect via inverter

Materials:

• Aluminium alloy housing, hermetically sealed
• Alocrom 1200 corrosion protection and polyester powder coat
• 316 stainless steel shafts and A4 stainless fasteners
• EMI (electromagnetic emissions): C.E. compliant
• MCS Accreditation: Pending
• Control system: Stall regulation
• Brake system: Electromagnetic braking switch

Yaw system

• Passive:
• Low resonance, formed aluminium tail
• Heavy duty slip ring assembly with saddle spring loaded output brushes
• Turning circle: 700 mm

Mounting

• Typical stub tower: 50 mm – 75 mm O/D

Weight

• Total: 17 kg

Finish

• Colours available:
• White with white blades
• Black with translucent blades

When mounting on a yacht or boat, positioning the turbine will be influenced by the configuration of the boat and other equipment fitted. It is important to ensure that the blades are at sufficient height such that injury to the crew from rotating blades is unlikely. A minimum height of the lowest point of the blades above a crewed area should be 2.4 metres. Also ensure that no part of the turbine can come into contact with any other part of the boat’s fittings or rigging. Because the turbine is subject to dynamic loads when the yacht is in a seaway in addition to wind loads, the tower should be securely braced or guyed both fore and aft and athwart ships. The bracing struts or wires should be firmly attached to the main tower at a point 200 –300 mm below the lowest point of the blades. The D400 is an inherently quiet and low vibration machine. However, certain applications may benefit from the introduction of anti-vibration mounts under the main tower and bracing struts. Note that, on a yacht or boat, no unsupported tower should exceed 2.5 metres in length. The wind loading on the D400’s rotor disc can exceed 50 kg, so any tower structure should be designed to allow for a safe working lateral load of 70 kg at the hub height of the turbine.

As D400 is a low voltage system it can be installed by an owner. Alternatively a marine electrician or other suitable contractor can be engaged. Mount towers can be fabricated or proprietary tower products can be purchased.