Turbine Installation

10
7. Installation
Before mounting the SILENTWIND onshore find a suitable position for the
windgenerator. 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 m long – 4cm wide plastic band at the top of a min. 4
meter pole. You can use a 2
nd
band at 2 meter height. This does not apply when
mounting the generator on boats.
If the upper band flows horizontaly straight or up to 30 degrees only you have found
the suitable position. In case the band shows more than 30 degrees or turns round
the mast, the position is unsuitable. This test should be carried out at moderate wind
conditions and only gives an orientation.
We recommend doing various tests for a correct site assessment. You do not need to
do this test if the windgenerator is mounted far away from obstructions. You can also
get help from a specialist on small wind turbines.
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. 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 the 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 maintenance work. The
mast with mounted windgenerator should be able to take a wind blast pressure of
250Nm. Grounding of the mast is highly recommendable. On boats you can use the
central ground 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 CF 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 7-8Nm equivalent to a weight of 7-8 kg
on a 10cm long lever arm, upright to the lever arm.
If the fastening torque is too high, this will destroy or damage the blades. If the
fastening torque is not high enough, the blades can get lose. A wrong fastening
torque is a considerable safety risk.