Wind Turbines Comparison 2009 |
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|  | blades | cage: 3 metres |  | | wind min | | | wind max | | | max power | 5kW
between
and | | annual kWh | unknown yearly kWh | | voltages | unknown supported voltages | | price | price unknown | | note: | | noise: Sound (Noise) Pressure Level 5 dB (at 5ft) |
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|  | blades | 6.70 metres |  | | wind min | 3 m/s | | wind max | 22 m/s | | max power | 10,000 W
between 15
and 20 | | annual kWh | 4.73 (4 m/s), 11.93 (5.36 m/s), 20 (6.71 m/s) | | voltages | 240 | | price | The basic price for the turbine only is around $24,950, excluding the a tower or installation. The guyed tower costs an extra $12,500 - $18,500 or the free standing tower costs an extra $12,000 - $24,000 depending on the height of the hub. | | note: The Aerostar 6 metre wind turbine is a large machine suitable for domestic use (if you have the space!), farms, or other larger applications. It's a pretty major investment, but one advantage of this turbine is that it natively kicks out power at 240V AC (single phase) - no need for an expensive inverter. If the turbine generates surplus power, you can export back to the grid (subject to compliance with local connection rules). |
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|  | blades | 1.80 metres |  | | wind min | 4 m/s | | wind max | 50 m/s | | max power | 3,200 W
between
and 20 | | annual kWh | 713 (3.9 m/s) | | voltages | 24 | | price | Semplice quote $9k-$10k for a residential installation package. | | note: This Japanese-designed small wind turbine is distributed in the UK by Reading-based Semplice Energy Ltd. Unusually for small machines, the turbine features a motorised self-start system, which is designed to get the blades generating at lower-than-normal wind speeds. Every so often it kick-starts itself, to see whether there is any wind at all that can be used. The Air Dolphin is also one of the turbines being tested as part of the Warwick Wind Trials. | | noise: The Airdolphin comes with the "Silent Disrupter Blade". This new blade has a number of thin grooves on its surface, which significantly reduces air flow noise. Our designers were inspired by the wings of owls that enables it to fly almost silently and unnoticed while approaching its prey. |
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|  | blades | 1.8 metres |  | | wind min | 3 m/s | | wind max | 20 m/s | | max power | 1KW (20 KVA)
between 13
and 20 | | annual kWh | 23,649 kWh (6 m/s @ 10m) | | voltages | 3-phase grid | | price | price unknown | | note: Noiseless, aerodynamic efficiency, smoothness of movement and aesthetically appealing design distinguishes Ropatec‘s signature vertical axis wind turbine. | | note: Evidencing years of R&D testing and dedicated experience, carefully chosen high quality materials guaranteeing robust, long-lasting operations also in extreme environments. | | note: An especially developed certified on-grid inverter connects the turbine to a three-phase grid, reducing energy costs. | | noise: not audible to human beings |
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|  | blades | cage: 2 metres |  | | wind min | | | wind max | | | max power | 2kW
between
and | | annual kWh | unknown yearly kWh | | voltages | unknown supported voltages | | price | price unknown | | note: | | noise: Sound (Noise) Pressure Level 4.5 dB (at 5ft) |
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|  | blades | cage: 4 metres |  | | wind min | | | wind max | | | max power | 10kW
between
and | | annual kWh | unknown yearly kWh | | voltages | unknown supported voltages | | price | price unknown | | note: | | noise: Sound (Noise) Pressure Level 15 dB (at 5ft) |
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|  | blades | 1.8 metres |  | | wind min | 3 m/s | | wind max | 34 m/s | | max power | 1,000 W
between
and | | annual kWh | 1,024 kWh (6 m/s @ 10m) | | voltages | 12, 48 | | price | price unknown | | note: Easy Vertical brings with it all of the high-quality features of a Ropatec small wind turbine, and given size and ease of handling it is extremely easy to set up. | | note: Together with Ropatec‘s digital charger, the "Easy" is an ideal solution for small off-grid installations. Ropatec‘s innovative charging system can be programmed to voltages between 12Vdc - 48Vdc giving the user free range of battery choices. | | note: When combined with Ropatec‘s "HotMax" heating controller, the Easy Vertical can support water heating systems for further energy costs savings. | | noise: not audible to human beings |
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|  | blades | 13 metres |  | | wind min | 3 m/s | | wind max | 20 m/s | | max power | 11,800W
between 10
and 12 | | annual kWh | 30,000 | | voltages | 400 | | price | Segen are offering full installation at £44000 +VAT excluding ground works. This does not include the Low Carbon Buildings Programme grant that is available. Gaia turbines are designed for a minimum 20 year life providing they are annually serviced. Gaia offer a 2 year manufacturing fault guarantee. | | note: The Gaia 11kW is a serious-sized, Danish designed turbine with more than 150 machines already in operation. In 2006 the Gaia Wind passed into new ownership, and is now headquartered in Glasgow, UK. The first UK Gaia turbine is now operational, and the company achieved government Clear Skies accreditation, which means it is eligible for all applicable UK government grants. | | noise: According to the manufacturers, at a distance of 30m this turbine will produce roughly 50db of noise, equivalent to conversational speech or a car driving at 40mph from 100m away. At 60m it produces 45db equivalent to a whisper. At 100m or over it you probably won't hear it all over background noise. |
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|  | blades | 3.00 metres |  | | wind min | 3 m/s | | wind max | 20 m/s | | max power | 1,232 W
between 12
and 20 | | annual kWh | 200V: 588 (3 m/s), 2,269 (5 m/s), 4,264 (7 m/s), 6,181 (10 m/s) | | voltages | 12, 24, 48, 120, 200 | | price | Segen are offering installation at $7,000 +VAT, excluding ground works and any special requirements. | | note: The Kestrel 1000, or e300i, is designed to produce power even at relatively low wind speeds, with rated power at only 9.5 m/s. At excessively high speeds, it maintains rated output. Kestrel turbines are supplied with a 'scissor' mounting poles, the design of which allows for easy raising and lowering of the turbine. The tower height can 6m, 9m or 12m, the 6m not usually being advisable. Turbine can be configured to charge batteries or supplied with an inverter to provide domestic power and connection to the grid. | | noise: The e300i advanced design moderates noise emissions effectively, making it an inconspicuous power source in all installations and environments. |
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|  | blades | 4.7 metres |  | | wind min | 3 m/s | | wind max | 25 m/s | | max power | 6,000 W
between
and | | annual kWh | 7,162 kWh (6 m/s @ 10m) | | voltages | unknown supported voltages | | price | price unknown | | note: Altering electronic controllers, the Ropatec Maxi Vertical can address a highly versatile range of energy applications. | | note: When connected with a certified on-grid inverter, power generated from Maxi Vertical is feedable directly into a local grid. | | note: Or else, when addressing more specific applications such as water heating, further energy costs savings can be realised when connected to Ropatec‘s innovative heating controller „HotMax“. | | note: In off-grid conditions where digital chargers are used, the Maxi Vertical in connection with a Ropatec‘s hybrid charger enables a streaming of wind/solar photovoltaic energy, and other energy sources. | | noise: not audible to human beings |
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|  | blades | 2.70 metres |  | | wind min | 2 m/s | | wind max | 15 m/s | | max power | 500 W
between 8
and 15 | | annual kWh | unknown yearly kWh | | voltages | 24 | | price |
minimum known price $670 | | note: This cheap and cheerful wind turbine system is imported into the UK from China by Navitron as part of their range of budget renewable energy products. It comes with its own tower and electronic controllers for battery charging applications. | | noise: Several people have complained about noise and vibration/balancing problems with these machines. Quieter sets of blades may be available. |
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| Proven 6kW | Proven | HAWT |
min. $28,000
/ 2 years warranty
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|  | blades | 5.50 metres |  | | wind min | 3 m/s | | wind max | 18 m/s | | max power | 6,000 W
between 12
and 14 | | annual kWh | 6,000 and 12,000 kWh (based on 5m/s wind speed) | | voltages | 48, 120, 240, 320 | | price | For a grid-connected 6kW turbine, Proven estimate a fully-installed cost of $28k - $36k. | | note: Ayrshire-based Proven Energy are by far the most established UK manufacturer of small-ish turbines, with a reputation for making robust, durable machines. The WT6000 is a high powered model, that at the right site will generate more energy than a house would normally need, and so you will have spare to sell to the grid | | noise: This turbine is unavoidably loud due to its large size and high output belting out 85db t 8m/s. |
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|  | blades | 3.50 metres |  | | wind min | 3 m/s | | wind max | 20 m/s | | max power | 3,210 W
between 16
and 18 | | annual kWh | 2,500 to 5,000 | | voltages | 12, 24, 48, 120, 240, 320 | | price | £11,000 ex VAT connected to the grid, or £15,800 ex VAT battery-charging version. They also offer a model that provides direct heating for £9,600. Price includes installation, but not any work on foundations (if required). If you need a taller than standard tower to catch more wind, that will be extra too. | | note: Ayrshire-based Proven Energy are by far the most established UK manufacturer of small-ish turbines, with a reputation for making robust, durable machines. There are three in their current range, this one being the smallest with a rated output of 2.5KW. |
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|  | blades | 5 metres |  | | wind min | 4 m/s | | wind max | 17 m/s | | max power | 6,330 W
between 14
and 15 | | annual kWh | 6,000 to 10,000 kWh | | voltages | unknown supported voltages | | price | Typically in the range of $45-52,000 for complete installation. the package includes a generator, anemometer, accelerometer and peak power tracking hardware as well as all electrical and mechanical controls and stand alone tower and anchors. This turbine is built to last for 25 years and includes a 2 year manufacture warranty. | | note: Revolutionary elegant design with the option of tower or roof mounting - recommended 3m above building roof. The original motive for this design was to produce a turbine suitable for urban environments where wind speeds are low and constantly shift direction. This inspiring design could even tackle arguments opposing wind energy due to the 'ugliness' of wind turbines. | | noise: An impressively quiet turbine claiming to be quieter than background ambience in most settings including open ground stand alone areas. Quiet Revolution turbines are virtually silent and vibration-free. The noise characteristics are a substantial benefit over equivalent-rated HAWT designs. We offer a full design package of isolation pads and mounts to meet your individual isolation requirements. |
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|  | blades | 1.2 metres |  | | wind min | 3.6 m/s | | wind max | no | | max power | 2.5 kW
between
and | | annual kWh | 1,000 kWh (5.5 m/s), 3,000 kWh (8 m/s), 5,000 kWh (10 m/s) | | voltages | 110, 240, battery | | price | price unknown | | note: IEC-61400-2 Standard for Small Wind Turbines |
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|  | blades | 1.2 metres |  | | wind min | 3.6 m/s | | wind max | no | | max power | 5 kW
between
and | | annual kWh | 1,800 kWh (5.5 m/s), 5,300 kWh (8 m/s), 9,300 kWh (10 m/s) | | voltages | 110, 240, battery | | price | price unknown | | note: IEC-61400-2 Standard for Small Wind Turbines | | note: Inexpensive, reliable, simple, the hallmarks of the Helix system
make it the best choice for low wind speed residential and
commercial applications. The Savonius turbine based design
catches wind from all directions creating smooth powerful torque
to spin the electric generator. Mounted up to 35 feet high, in
winds as low as 10 mph the Helix system creates electricity to
power your home or business. |
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|  | blades | 3.50 metres |  | | wind min | 2 m/s | | wind max | 19 m/s | | max power | 2,714 W
between 16
and 19 | | annual kWh | 1,000 (3.5 m/s), 3,000-4,000 (5 m/s), 5,000-7,000 (7 m/s) | | voltages | unknown supported voltages | | price | $6,600 - $8,000 (excluding VAT) including everything and depending on anchored or stand-alone tower. | | note: This large domestic turbine is the biggest of the Samrey series and in open areas with a good average wind speed has the potential for generating the energy to supply a whole household. Samrey offer a range of packages with varying hub size for all their turbines in order to cater for most applications. |
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| Scirocco 6kW | Eoltec | HAWT |
min. $30,000
/ 2 years warranty
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|  | blades | 5.60 metres |  | | wind min | 2 m/s | | wind max | 20 m/s | | max power | 6,000 W
between 12
and 20 | | annual kWh | 15,880 | | voltages | 48 | | price | This turbine isn't cheap, with typical prices ranging from $30,000 - $40,000 fully installed depending on tower size, individual sites and grants. 2 years as standard with the option of 5 years if requested. | | note: Relatively large wind turbine tested and manufactured in France and the Orkney Islands of Scotland. Recommended for spacious sites such as farms, large homesteads or as a contributor to village or town electricity. The Scirocco comes with a generator converter which can be set to either produce a d.c output to charge a domestic cell or a.c to pump back into the grid. This turbine can also be used for 'run-of-the-wind' water pumping (for example well heads for drinking or irrigation purposes) as an alternative to fuel or grid generated pumps. | | noise: The manufacturers claim a level of 35.4 db at a distance of 75m in 8m/s wind speeds. |
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|  | blades | cage: 0.76 metre |  | | wind min | 3.6 m/s | | wind max | 54 m/s | | max power | 2 kW, max: 3.4 kW
between
and 22 | | annual kWh | unknown yearly kWh | | voltages | 12, 24, 48 | | price | price unknown | | note: The Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) converts wind energy to electrical power. The VAWT is an omni-directional low wind-speed generator that may be easily installed practically anywhere with good wind exposure. The VAWT is seen as a solid object as the rotational speed increases, making it visible to birds. The VAWT has a 3-phase A.C electrical power connection and 3-phase rectifier. | | noise: Sound (Noise) Pressure Level 4.5 dB (at 5ft) |
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|  | blades | 3.3 metres |  | | wind min | 3 m/s | | wind max | 25 m/s | | max power | 3,000 W
between
and | | annual kWh | 4,064 kWh (6 m/s at 10m) | | voltages | grid | | price | price unknown | | note: The Simply Vertical unit is easy to install and operational in a very short time, with Ropatec modularity in connecting to different electronic controllers enabling a multiplicity of applications. | | note: For example a grid connection with certified on-grid inverters, or water heating systems with the heating controller "HotMax" can be easily set up. | | note: But also for off-grid installations Ropatec offers modular solutions in digital battery charging. | | noise: not audible to human beings |
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|  | blades | 3.72 metres |  | | wind min | 2 m/s | | wind max | 63 m/s | | max power | 2,400 W
between 13
and 15 | | annual kWh | 1,200 (3.5 m/s), 7,200 (7.5 m/s), 9,600 (9.5 m/s) | | voltages | 120, 240 | | price | The Skystream 3.7 costs between $12,000 to $15,000 to purchase and install, although costs vary significantly depending on your site. The generator itself costs $5,400. Segen are offering an installed Skystream for $13,000 + VAT | | note: The Skystream 3.7 (named after the size of the blades) is a 1.9kW rated turbine made by Southwest WIndpower in the USA. It is aimed at the domestic market, and comes with a number of different tower heights. |
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|  | blades | 4 metres |  | | wind min | 2 m/s | | wind max | 60 m/s | | max power | 1.3kW (15 m/s), 4.4kW (25 m/s), 10kW (40m/s)
between
and | | annual kWh | unknown yearly kWh | | voltages | unknown supported voltages | | price | price unknown | | note: functions regardless of the direction and force of the wind; coupling or not with a power generating unit; association with a device of water pumping and irrigation; reliability and simplicity of operation; light and robust materials, resistant to all climatic conditions; easy maintenance; rapid and easy assembling and disassembling | | noise: totally silent, modern and aesthetic, compact, easy integration on already built structures, individual housing, colective housing, inductrial, commercial and agricultural sites |
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| | blades | 8 metres |  | | wind min | 2 m/s | | wind max | 60 m/s | | max power | 6kW (15 m/s), 19.3kW (25 m/s), 36kW (40m/s)
between
and | | annual kWh | unknown yearly kWh | | voltages | unknown supported voltages | | price | price unknown | | note: functions regardless of the direction and force of the wind; coupling or not with a power generating unit; association with a device of water pumping and irrigation; reliability and simplicity of operation; light and robust materials, resistant to all climatic conditions; easy maintenance; rapid and easy assembling and disassembling | | noise: totally silent, modern and aesthetic, compact, easy integration on already built structures, individual housing, colective housing, inductrial, commercial and agricultural sites |
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|  | blades | 2.00 metres |  | | wind min | 3 m/s | | wind max | 14 m/s | | max power | 2,500 W
between 14
and 14 | | annual kWh | unknown yearly kWh | | voltages | 220/240 | | price | Srandard Instalation: $2,000. Mast from 5m to 9m, galvanized or stainless steel: $1,500 to $5,000. Foundation: from $1,000 to $2,600. Accessories: up to $1,300. | | note: An attractive-looking vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) designed in the Netherlands. Like the Quiet Revolution QR5, the Turby features a helical twist to its blades, which means it turns more smoothly and protects the components from the fatigue problems that are often experienced by straight-bladed vertical axis wind turbines. | | note: At wind speeds above 14 metres per second, the Turby shuts down to protect from damage, and produces no power. | | note: There's a great deal of innovation going on in the vertical axis wind turbine market at the moment, with lots of claims about their improved suitability for urban environments. The Turby, designed and built in the Netherlands, is one of the more serious contenders, having been around for a number of years. However like most VAWTs it still is really in test phase - no large numbers have been produced as far as we can tell. | | noise: Noise levels are meant to be lower with vertical axis turbines like the Turby. |
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|  | blades | 6.20 metres |  | | wind min | 3 m/s | | wind max | 16 m.s | | max power | 10,200 W
between 14
and 16 | | annual kWh | 3,650 (3.5 m/s), 25,550 (7 m/s), 43,800 (10 m/s) | | voltages | 120, 240 | | price | Fully installed cost is $52,000 +VAT, excluding any ground work or special requirements. 2 year manufacture guarantee with 20 year life. | | note: The Westwind 10 is originally an Australian-designed machine, that since 2006 is now manufactured in Northern Ireland. It's suitable for rural domestic use as well as small farms and schools, and comes on a 15 metre free standing tower. |
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|  | blades | 10.40 metres |  | | wind min | 3 m/s | | wind max | 16 m/s | | max power | 20,500 W
between 14
and 16 | | annual kWh | 7,300 (3.5 m/s), 47,450 (7 m/s), 71,200 (10 m/s) | | voltages | 240 | | price | Segen are quoting $89,500 +VAT for standard installation, excluding ground works. 2 year manufacture guarantee. Expected lifespan of 20 years. | | note: The Westwind 20 is originally an Australian-designed machine, that since 2006 has been manufactured in Northern Ireland. Designed for use on large farms, commercial and council premises and larger rural domestic properties. |
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|  | blades | 3.70 metres |  | | wind min | 3 m/s | | wind max | 18 m/s | | max power | 3,165 W
between 15
and 17 | | annual kWh | 1,800 (4 m/s), 6,600 (7 m/s), 9,100 (9 m/s) | | voltages | 48, 120, 240 | | price | price unknown | | note: The Westwind 3kW is the company's smallest turbine, designed for domestic use. Until 2006 Westwind were an Australian company, but were bought by Northern Ireland based J A Graham Ltd. |
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|  | blades | 5.10 metres |  | | wind min | 3 m/s | | wind max | 18 m/s | | max power | 5,220 W
between 14
and 18 | | annual kWh | 3,600 (4 m/s), 14,600 (7 m/s), 20,000 (9 m/s) | | voltages | 48, 120, 240 | | price | price unknown | | note: Westwind's 5kW turbine can be mounted on a guyed or free standing tower. Designed for domestic or small establishment use. |
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|  | blades | 3.1 metres |  | | wind min | 3 m/s | | wind max | 19 m/s | | max power | 1,039 W
between 13
and 15 | | annual kWh | 2,400 (5.4 m/s), 4,200 (8 m/s) | | voltages | 12, 24, 48 | | price | price unknown |
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|  | blades | 4.50 metres |  | | wind min | 3 m/s | | wind max | 20 m/s | | max power | 3,313 W
between 12
and 14 | | annual kWh | 1,800 (3.6 m/s), 6,500 (5.4 m/s), 12,600 (7.6 m/s) | | voltages | 24, 36, 48 | | price | price unknown | | note: Large two bladed wind turbine from the USA which in a good site is capable of powering an average home, with the option of anchors or fixings from a high point on a building. |
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|  | blades | 1.2 metres |  | | wind min | 2 m/s | | wind max | 45 m/s | | max power | 1.2 kW
between 10
and 12 | | annual kWh | 2000 kWh (estimate) | | voltages | unknown supported voltages | | price | price unknown | | note: | | noise: 20 decibels at 12m (40ft) |
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Data revamped from www.bettergeneration.co.uk.
Data updated with manufacturers' products data sheets.
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