Wind Generator Models sold by Pioneer Systems

AIR_X Wind Generator Brand
Whisper Series Wind Generators
Bergey Wind Generators

Why Alternative Energy ?

Efficiency

Reliability

As we recently saw in the North-West US and Ontario in August 2003, small problems in one area can cascade through the entire system, causing synchronous failures and poor reliability of supply.  Public utilities puff their chest when they claim 99.9% up-time as their goal.  At 99.9% up-time, the public is still left in the dark with no electricity for 53 minutes each & every month.

If public utilities were interested in consumer's satisfaction, they would concern themselves equally between the cost per kW-hr paid by the consumer, the number of outages per month, and the maximum duration of all outages during the month.

Until the public utilities wake up and start to think and act the way their customers want them to think, and act, we are all at their mercy.

Ecology

In Ontario, over half of our smog is created by burning coal to generate electricty.  If we installed the same number of wind generators that Germany has alredy achieved, we could eliminate the need for burning any coal to generate electricty.  It is estimated that over 1,000 people die each year in Ontario due to air pollution.

Are we ready to try a greener solution to our energy needs?

Taking Responsibility & Control

When we were babies, we were totally dependent upon our parents.  As teenagers, we wanted total independence.  As adults, we learned there is no such thing as total and complete independence; we have to work co-operatively with others.  As adults, we strive for optimum inter-dependence.  As Aristotle said, the optimum is "...the mean between the extremes...".

Benefits of Wind Power

Wind vs. Solar ?

Do you have enough wind at your location ?

Wind Generator Placement

Generally, the bottom (ie. lowest part) of the wind generator's blade should be at least 30 feet above everything that is within 500 feet of the wind generator's tower for ideal conditions.  Acceptable is 20 ft. above everything within 300 feet.

If your winds are predominately from one direction, this is the key area for clear space.  Other directions may be acceptable to have greater interference.

You also have to allow sufficient real estate to raise & lower the tower from time to time for maintenance, as well as guy wires (if used for your tower design).  Most guy wires are anchored between 24 ft. to 50 feet away from the centre of the tower.  In tight places, free-standing towers can be used (no guy wires).

Some people choose to locate their wind generator on their roof top or a tower beside their house.  Critical design issues from wind interference, lightning, roof leaks, vibration, noise, electrical and radio interference, and other issues need to be considered before proceeding with this option.

Do it Yourself Installations ?

Installing a wind generator can be a major challenge; even for the most skilled trades person.  If you choose this option, it certainly will be a large experience.

Consider the buying power of an expert in the field, how long it will take to learn what to do, practicing or learning on-the-job, and possibly doing it incorrectly (some of which may not be discovered until too late), and the liability and risk of getting it wrong.

To install a typical wind generator, you will probably need the following expertise:

You may want to consider getting a professional to help.  Some wind generator professionals are even willing to have the owner intimately involved in the design and construction of your wind generator system.

How big should your Wind Generator be ?

Wind generators start at 400 watts for 28 mph winds (do high efficiency lighting for a whole house), and go up to megawatt sized units (small towns).

Before trying to decide on a wind generator size, conservation of electrical energy is the first step.  Most people cannot afford to generate their own electricity if we continue our wasteful electrical usage habits.

By making minor, almost invisible changes, we can reduce our electrical consumption by 25% to 50%.  Moving major heat sources from electricity to more efficient direct fueled appliances (ie. propane or gas-fired kitchen stoves instead of electric stoves, solar-assisted hot water heaters, etc.) will complete the transition.  Once this has been achieved, generating your own power at an economically affordable price (or capital investment) become a reality.

Which brand of Wind Generator is best for me ?

This depends upon hundreds of details that your wind energy expert needs to discuss with you to determine the best selection to fit your needs and lifestyle.  Not only does the current situation need to be considered, but also your future needs, and projected changes in the local and world energy systems, public utilities, etc.

How can Pioneer Systems help me ?

The people behind Pioneer Systems are Professional Engineers with over 2 decades of experience in renewable energy systems, solar heating, wind power, PV solar power systems, and remote living.

Not only do we do the design, installation, and servicing of these systems for our customers, we live with them day-to-day on our own remote site that is 100% off-the-grid.  Not only do we know the theory, we live the practice in our own lives.

Pioneer Systems specializes in:

Glenn Black   P.Eng.  CQE  CQA
President
Pioneer Systems
Contact Pioneer Systems
(705)-377-4039

http://www.pioneer-sys.net

The AIR X represents the latest evolution in small wind turbine design. Ideal for home and cottage power systems, the AIR X will complement a solar charging system by providing power when the weather is at its worst.  It will deliver power in as little as 12 kph (7 mph).  The new microprocessor based speed control results in increased performance, improved battery charging capability and the reduction of “flutter” noise from the machine.
	Air X Features Include: · carbon fiber composite blades · Three Year Warranty  · aircraft quality aluminum alloy castings · exclusive auto-brake-feature  · maintenance-free – only two moving parts - rated for 5 to 10 years service life for main bearings · exclusive brush-less neodymium cubic curve alternator · sophisticated internal battery charge regulator prevents battery over-charge · high wind safe mode-automatically slows turbine in potentially damaging winds,  and reduces noise Þ Rated Power:  400 watts @ 45 kph/28 mph Þ Voltage:  12 or 24 VDC Þ Blade Diameter:  1.14 meters / 46”  Þ Weight:  5.9 kg / 13 lbs
Wind Generator Case Study   This Case Study provides a case study & pictures for an Air-X 400 watt wind generator installation designed & installed by Pioneer Systems for a remote, wilderness cottage which is off-grid.
The installed wind generator on the 45 ft. tower, with the proud owner at the base.	Looking up the 45 ft tower, we can see the electrical box at the base, and the two sets of guy wires at 24 ft. and 42 ft elevation	The tower base showing the electrical junction box and lightning protection system.	A close-up view of the top end of the 45 ft. tower, the guy wires, lightning protection, and the wind generator on top.