Thinair - Model 102 -Wind Turbine
The Thinair 102 wind turbine is pioneering development of Powerhouse Wind, and is designed to be a component of an off-grid renewable energy system or micro-grid. Its generation profile is compatible with that of solar panels as it is will continue to generate power at night and during the shorter cloudy winter days.
- Turbine type : Horizontal axis with patented teetering hub, downwind, stall regulated
- Rotor diameter : 3.6m
- Swept area : 10.2m2
- Number of blades : 1
- Blade material : Carbon/glass fibre epoxy hybrid
- Rated power : 2kW
- Rated wind speed : 10m/s
- Cut in wind speed : 3.0m/s
- Cut out wind speed : 20m/s
- Rated rotation speed : 315rpm
- Rotation speed range : 60-335rpm
- Alternator : Permanent magnet, axial flux, 3 phase, direct drive
- Inverter input : 180-470V DC
- Annual energy output at 5m/s (average wind speed) : 3137 kWh
- Link to power curve and energy estimate @ 5 m/s : Generic 5 m/s
- Control system : Powerhouse Wind electronic control
- Turbine top of tower mass : 75kg
- Min. recommended tower height : 8m
- System price (turbine, tower, controller and inverter or battery charger) : NZ$17100 + GST
- Quiet
Most wind turbine noise comes from the blade`s tip and trailing edge. With only one blade, and running at a similar tip speed, noise is significantly reduced compared to a standard two or three blade turbine. - Reliable and long lived
In strong and gusty winds, the unique teetering hub allows the blade to respond to gusts, limiting stress on the turbine. If the wind becomes too stong, The Thinair 102 will shut itself down, with the blade fully teetered to protect itself. - Energy capture
The angle of the blade is used to determine changes in wind speed and so maximise energy capture from gusts. The rotor can also be made lighter than comparative machines, which allows the turbine to be more responsive to strong turbulent wind. - Elegant
The Thinair 102 will be a design enhancement to your home. Part of the look of the turbine is the integrated fairing around the tower, protecting the blade from downwind turbulence and fatigue. Elegant and attractive, this wind turbine is a product that you will aspire to own. - Easy to own
Thinair`s integrated electronic and mechanical systems ensure completely automated and hands free operation, during both normal and extreme wind events. Inbuilt reporting of performance allows you to monitor the turbine. - Domestic scale
Thinair 102 is designed to deliver from 3250 to 5200kWh per year on sites with average wind speeds of 5 to 6m/s. This will power all or most of the energy requirements of a well designed house. A sucessful installation will require a site of at least 0.4 hectare (1 acre). - Economic
Because of its simple design and one bladed rotor (blade costs are a significant factor in the overall cost of any turbine), the initial cost of ownership will be less compared to other similar specification turbines.
The most obvious distinguishing feature of the Thinair turbine is that it only has one blade. This innovative and patented single blade is key to the unique benefits of the Thinair 102, and offers unparalleled advantages.
Traditionally wind turbines have been constructed with multiple blades all attached to a fixed central hub. The Thinair turbine, by contrast, has a freely teetering hub design that allows the blade’s angle to change in response to variations in wind speed. As a result, the Thinair maximises efficient use of strong and gusty wind by harnessing it to generate extra energy.
The teetering hub also protects the turbine from damaging stress, allowing the blade to swing into a safe horizontal park position in extreme wind conditions. This approach also creates less noise than the traditional angling of the rotor to the wind method used by most upwind machines.