frequently asked questions (faq) - winsol power company · pdf filefrequently asked questions...
TRANSCRIPT
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
December 1, 2010
WT6500 – The Honeywell Wind Turbine
Please be sure to also signup at www.windtronics.com
We appreciate your interest in our company
WindTronics
Toll Free: 877-WIND-898 380 W. Western Suite 301 Local: 231-332-1200
Muskegon, MI 49440 USA Email: [email protected]
What is the retail price?
The Honeywell Wind Turbine (model WT 6500) has an MSRP of $6,495.
What application is the Honeywell Wind Turbine best suited for?
The Honeywell Wind Turbine (HWT) is designed for residential, small business and
commercial applications, generating energy where we consume it, even in low wind speeds. What wind do I have?
Almost all traditional wind turbines require 8mph winds to cut in and start turning.
Unfortunately, to date small wind turbines have failed to impress in terms of energy creation,
sound quality and the installation expense.
When we turned wind turbines inside out”…. we had to do just that. The Honeywell Wind Turbine utilizes a system of magnets and stators surrounding its outer
ring capturing power at the blade tips where speed is greatest, practically eliminating
mechanical resistance and drag. The Blade Tip Power System ™ becomes the generator by
swiftly passing the blade tip magnets through the copper coil banks mounted onto the
enclosed perimeter frame. The Honeywell Wind Turbine has a startup speed below 2mph
and addresses past constraints such as size, noise, vibration and output for homes and
businesses. To see video of our wind turbine operating in low wind conditions, see
WindTronics Technology vs. Anemometer, Flag and Roof Exhaust Vent at http://www.windtronics.com/#videos.
If you are interested in measuring your own wind, here is a list of various anemometer
manufacturers that we can recommend to our Dealers/Installers/Customers:
Wind Data Logger (outdoor package recommended)
http://www.aprsworld.com/products/
Davis Anemometer (this is the one that is part of our product)
http://www.davisnet.com/weather/search_product.asp?search=anemometer
Wire Wind Sensor
http://www.txwx.com/1wire_bro1.htm
When will the product become available? Where can I purchase it?
In early 2011, the product will be widely available through Ace, Wesco, True Value , Green Alliance, Northern Tool & hundreds of energy dealers worldwide.
How much energy does the turbine produce?
The Renewable Electric Generation of the HWT is 1,500 kWh/yr on average plus or minus depending on wind speed, height and site location of installation. The HWT offers the lowest cost per kWh in its class and size.
Here are some helpful Wind Resource Sites http://www.3tier.com/firstlook/ (you’ll need to register) http://www.windpoweringamerica.gov/wind_maps.asp http://rredc.nrel.gov/wind/pubs/atlas/atlas_index.html www.windknowledge.com
How much money will the turbine save me?
The ROI of the turbine will depend on many different factors:
1. Annual kW usage 2. The price paid per kWh 3. The incentives available 4. Installation cost 5. Available wind at the site
While the ROI will be shorter for some people than for others, we believe that increasing
energy prices within the next few years will decrease the payback time of our product even
more.
What is the warranty?
The HWT has a limited 5 year manufacturer’s warranty and is designed for a 20 year life.
Commercial warranties may vary.
Is there any product literature available?
Yes, the current product literature is available at www.todayswindenergy.com.
What’s involved to install the HWT? Can I do it myself?
We strongly recommend that installation be performed by a licensed electrician/ contractor.
These installers will be the most efficient and will be in communication with the manufacturer
in an on-going manner. If a wind turbine is installed by someone other than an Authorized
Installer, the product warranty may be called into question if any problems arise with the
wind turbine. The HWT can be installed on a pole, plate, or rooftop where there is
unobstructed access to the wind.
How long does installation take, what are the costs?
Installation should take no longer than a day by our Authorized Installers and may average
$3000 (including mount, batteries, material & labor) depending on the application. The
product manual, mounts and drawings are available on www.windtronics.com.
What are the state and local regulations governing turbine installations?
The small wind industry is changing rapidly and so are the bylaws and ordinances governing
them. Many localities and States are clearing the way for small installations, but there’s still
much work to be done. The HWT is a 185 lb, 6 foot diameter, enclosed blades system with
negligible vibrations or sound , a virtual wind generator making it far easier to get approvals
from cities and towns. Most restrictions are in place to prevent 30- 60 foot towers and >12
foot blades. The HWT is redefining the market again.
What is the composition of the turbine? What is its rating?
Our turbine is rated for gusts of wind up to 140 mph. It is primarily made out of UV resistant
nylon and anodized aluminum to withstand a variety of elements. What happens in high winds?
All functions of the HTW are controlled by the computerized SmartBox connected to an
anemometer, allowing constant reading of wind speed. The HWT SmartBox interacts with the
turbine and will go into a braking mode if the wind exceeds 38 mph for more than one
minute. The HWT is certified to industry safety and electrical standards.
We are one of the few turbine manufactures to have our own wind tunnel facility, constantly testing the turbines.
What happens in ice and snow?
The HWT is designed to handle the elements. An extended period of freezing rain or snow
may possibly slow the unit down and could keep the unit out of service until it thaws.
What about the noise from turbines that’s in the news, and what about birds?
Traditional turbines have reported issues with vibration caused when the wind passes over
and behind the blades, referred to as cavitation. The HWT deflects the wind in a completely
different manner, alleviating this characteristic. Unlike traditional turbines that are difficult
for birds to see as the tips is virtually transparent, the HWT turbine’s design, color, and
enclosed border system help make the turbine more distinguishable to wildlife.
Is the HWT a replacement for a backup generator?
The HWT has some standby power capabilities but does not replace a gas powered
generator. During power outages the wind is often blowing and the HWT will generate
energy in addition to the stored energy.
Does the HWT support Net Metering?
The current system is a closed loop system and net metering options will be available in
2011.
What are the KW ratings and kWh power curves for the HWT?
kWh power curves, specs, mounting and additional specifications are available at the
download section of www.windtronics.com.
Where can I obtain technical information?
All of our current technical information is published and available through our website:
www.windtronics.com. I would like to run several units. Is this possible? How?
You can certainly run several units, however currently the system must be sold as one
turbine and one SmartBox together. It is not currently possible to route more than one
turbine through the SmartBox as the SmartBox and all of its electronics is designed and
rated based on the voltage capacity of one turbine.
Why does the system require 2-12V batteries?
The HWT requires at least 2 deep cycle batteries which sit between the SmartBox and the
panel. The battery, referred to as the “bucket” is a system resource that allows the HWT to
always capture the energy being generated by the turbine. The SmartBox inverter converts
24 volt to 120 and uses the battery as a storage and buffer device to regulate the energy
being generated to your panel (especially in low winds speeds where the bucket is always
being trickle charged). The battery may also offer some standby power when the grid is
down. In a non-grid tie unit, what happens to the unused energy?
Our turbines are equipped with a heat sink and the unused energy is discharged.
How are the units mounted?
We offer several types of mounting systems; a roof mount and also a pole mount. Please see
the Downloads section of our website for information regarding the mounting systems.
I’m a contractor and want to install the HWT?
We are looking for licensed and insured contractors to join our network of Authorized
Installers. If this is of interest to you, please contact Linda Hoskins at
[email protected] for an application.
I’m a contractor or a dealer and I want to sell the HWT?
Please contact Jennifer Luttrull at [email protected] to apply for one of our
dealerships. Our new web site will soon list all of our dealers by name and location.
Is there an international distribution for your product?
A global dealer network will be in place to allow for international distribution.
Are there Federal and State Incentives for the purchase, installation and/or use
of your product?
We recommend that you visit www.dsireusa.org to learn more about local rebates and
incentive programs. You may also refer to our www.windknowledge.com for average wind
speed and incentives available in your zip code. In other world markets incentives vary,
however many nations recognize the benefits of renewable energy and have incentives in
place, contact your local governments for more specific detail.