The AIR-X Marine Wind Turbine builds upon what made AIR the world's No. 1 selling small wind turbine with new technology previously found only in state-of-the-art mega-watt class wind turbines.

All of these features are found within the body of the turbine.

The new microprocessor-based speed control results in increased performance, improved battery charging capability and the reduction of 'flutter' noise from the machine. The controller allows for peak-power tracking of the wind by optimising the alternator's output on all points of the cubic curve and then efficiently delivers the energy to the battery. The turbine’s smart controller allows it to actually control blade rotation speed thus eliminating the buzzing noise commonly found with the AIR 403 and 303 in high winds. In addition, a new series of carbon-reinforced blades with a modified pitch angle further increases power production.

The new electronics are a considerable improvement over the AIR 403 controller that consists of diode-rectification and a simple off/off voltage switch.

Much Lower Noise: Previous AIR wind modules relied on their aero-elastic blade design for protection in high winds, causing loud flutter noise in winds above 35 mph (16 m/s). AIR-X’s circuit monitors the wind speed and electronically slows the blades as it reaches its rated output preventing it from going into flutter.

This results in a much quieter wind turbine. In high winds, the AIR-X will continue to produce power at a reduced level until the wind decreases, at which point maximum output will resume.

Improved battery charging: Previous AIR designs required 300-400 amp hour battery banks so the trickle charge of the wind turbine could be adequately absorbed. The AIR-X’s charge controller periodically stops charging, reads the battery voltage, compares it to the voltage setting and if the battery is charged, it completely shuts off all current going to the battery. This function is performed within a few milliseconds. The closer the battery is to reaching its full state of charge, the more often the AIR-X’s circuit repeats this action. This means any size battery bank from 25 to 25,000 amp hours or higher can be charged safely. When the battery has reached its charged state, the AIR-X will slow to an almost complete stop. Only when the battery has dropped below its voltage set point will it startup and resume charging.

Lower stress design: AIR-X limits power on the input side of the electronics by controlling the torque from the blades. The power no longer has to be dissipated by the electronics resulting in lower stress on the circuit, bearings and other materials. Furthermore, stress on wind turbines occurs primarily in high winds. Under these conditions, the electronic stall design reduces the speed to 600 rpm, thereby significantly reducing turbine and tower loading. Note: A manual stop switch control is an available option for the AIR-X.

Improved resistance to the effects of the sun, wind and water: AIR-X marine has vastly improved body preparation and applications of the marine paint during manufacture, ensuring durable powdercoat protection of the body and internal components, even when subjected tot he most extreme sun, wind and water conditions.

Design changes are primarily found within the body of the turbine:

• New microprocessor-based controller
• New 'wave washer' combined with looser bearing-to-body tolerances are incorporated into the face bearing set. This results in lower compression on the bearing/race, with quieter running and lower startup speed. It also lowers stress on the bearings and shaft when subject to twisting forces during normal operation
• New series of carbon-reinforced blades
• More robust tower clamp and yaw assembly for stronger and more secure tower mounting
• Improved powder-coating protection as the body is acid etched and treated with alodine before powdercoating with a UV-resistant marine paint
• All hardware is a marine-grade stainless steel
• Assembly includes 'Tef-gel' compound to resist corrosive activity between dissimilar metals like stainless steel and aluminium
• Body and electronics are completely sealed for prevention of water ingress, even under brief immersion conditions.
• Unprecedented 3-Year Warranty
• Carbon fibre composite blades
• Aircraft quality aluminum alloy castings
• Exclusive brush-less neodymium cubic curve alternator
• Sophisticated internal battery charge regulator
• Maintenance-free - Only two moving parts
• Full Marine tower kit available for easy boat mounting
• Exclusive auto-brake-feature that slows the AIR to a silent spin when the batteries are charged thus extending bearing life and reducing noise
• Marine powdercoating and stainless steel fittings for corrosion protection in a marine environment
• High-wind safe mode - Automatically slows turbine in potentially damaging winds. Reduces noise and distractions for peace of mind when on or off your boat.
• Neighbour-friendly applications

When cruising the world, an AIR-X Marine or an AIR marine should be a critical component to ensure you have power when it is most needed. Its compact size means the AIR-X Marine can be installed in a number of areas on a boat. Here are a few examples:
 

An excellent installation combining the best of both worlds. Photovoltaic and two AIR marines attached to this arch on the aft section.

No room for an aft tower? The mizzen mast can be the perfect location providing plenty of power in a safe location.

The Air X is suitable for the following applications:

• Sailboats - Recreational boating
• Offshore beacons and remote monitoring equipment
• Oceanside homes and cabins
• Water pumping
• Battery charging
• Science and education projects

Specification

• Rotor diameter: 46 inches (1.15 m)
• Weight: 13 lb (5.85 kg)
• Mount: 1.5-inch schedule 40 pipe (1.9-inch/48 mm OD)
• Start-up wind speed: 7 mph (3.13 m/s)
• Voltage: 12 and 24 VDC (36 and 48 VDC available soon)
• Rated power: 400 watts at 28 mph (12.5 m/s)
• Turbine controller: Microprocessor-based smart internal regulator with Peak Power Tracking
• Blades (three): Carbon fibre composite
• Body: Cast aluminium (Air-X Marine is powder coated for corrosion protection)
• Kilowatt hours per month: 38 kwh/month @ 12 mph (5.4 m/s)
• Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
• Survival wind speed; 110 mph (49.2 m/s)
• Over-speed protection: Electronic torque control

Performance Curves