Hello
I have been reading Turbocars post and wondered about his watt output and seem to remember some discussion of increased output on the otherpower forum a while back.
Turbocars has a 2kw rated turbine but has seen gust watt readings of in excess of 5kw. I remember reading about phenomenal output increases with otherpower turbines when switching to a Classic.
Here's my question, I have a kestrel e300i, 110 volt rated at 1KW. We have had some breeze lately, so I believe I have seen all she's got, that being 1068 watts. Why do some turbines have large production increases and mine doesn't? And no I don't need any cheese to go with my wine.
In your answers think, simple, Cliff Notes...I'll even believe you if you tell me I was bad when I was little, that would even explain Santa's issues with me.
Thanks
Wade
One of the biggest reasons is the Kestrel has active pitch control and will not spin up in RPM's. The gain comes from a typical turbine do to the fact the blades and alternator where designed for say 6-7 MPH and when the alternator gets above that speed the voltage is clamped down by the batteries this stalling the blades or bringing them below there optimal TSR. The Classic allows the voltage to rise with wind speed keeping the blades at there optimal TSR. On turbines like the other-power style they typically are over bladed and designed for low wind so they would really stall the blades. We have seen 3 times the power out of the Other power style at times and typically 2 times from other designs.
Ryan
Ryan
Thanks for the perfect reply, I even understand it. I built an otherpower 10, I will have to give it a whirl when I get bored. I bought the Kestrel hoping for reliability. I kind of figured the otherpower one would tear itself apart for some reason and do it in January.
Thanks
Wade