Installation manual

13
7. Installation
Before mounting the SILENTWIND onshore find a suitable position for the wind
generator. It is an ideal position if the wind flows against the blades without any
obstructions. The generator should be mounted as high as possible.
Fixed/land installation:
The height depends on the distraction of the wind by surrounding objects. You can
simply test this by fixing a 3 metre long by 4 cm wide strip of plastic at the top of a
4 metre (or longer) pole. You can use a second strip at 2 metre height. Note: This
does not apply when mounting the wind generator on boats.
If the upper plastic strip flows horizontally or up to 30 degrees from the horizontal
you have found the suitable position. In case the plastic strip shows more than 30
degrees from the horizontal or turns round the mast, the position is unsuitable. This
test should be carried out at moderate wind conditions and only gives an orienta -
tion.
We recommend doing a number test for an optimal site assessment. However, you
do not need to do this test if the wind generator is mounted far away from obstruc -
tions. You can also get help from a specialist on small wind generators.
Installation on a sailing boat:
The assembly height must be chosen in a way that no member of the crew is
endangered by the rotor blades. The mechanical fixation of the mast foot has to
withstand the mechanical loads occurring specially in rough sea conditions. We
recommend additional rigging to the sea rail or the deck of the ship.
Note: Please note that the SILENTWIND can never be fully efficient if it is not
mounted in the prevailing wind direction or distracted by obstructions. Therefore it
is important to find a position without obstructions!
Having found a suitable position, an appropriate mast with suitable hardware must
be chosen. The outer mast diameter must be 48mm and it should be made of
stainless steel or aluminum. Please also consider possible future maintenance
work. The mast with mounted wind generator should be able to take a wind blast
pressure of 250 Nm. Earthing of the mast is highly recommended. On boats you
can use the central earthing point for mast and engine. Ask a specialist for advice.
Once the mast is mounted you can start the relatively simple installation of the
SILENTWIND. First connect the 3 carbon fibre blades to the assembly hub (see
page 15, sketch 4) with the enclosed screws (page 16, sketch 9, assembly- and
safety instructions inside the rotor-blade box). The enclosed nylon discs protect
against electrolytic corrosion. The fastening torque is 7-8 Nm equivalent to a
weight of 7-8 kg on a 10 cm long lever arm, upright to the lever arm.