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Two bladed machines are often thought to be 2-3% less efficient in wind capture but only an equivalent 2-3% increase in rotor size can more than make up for any loss in energy capture.
The Gaia-Wind small wind turbine has a rotor which is approx 50% bigger than equivalently rated three blade turbines and annual production has been proven to be more than 50-100% greater.
The Gaia-Wind small wind turbine has a patented ‘teeter’ hub which allows the two oversized blades (or one long blade) to rotate over a small angle. This prevents the most damaging turbulent loads from entering the main shaft. Small wind turbines with a teeter hub therefore run a lot smoother than their three bladed neighbours. The two bladed design creates greater blade stability than that shown in designs of three blades which can often suffer from high turbulent loads and increased down time.
Fewer parts and therefor lighter shipments mean huge savings in both production and shipping costs. Cost advantages which are passed on to the small wind turbine owner.
The Gaia-Wind small wind turbine is assembled on the ground then lifted into position this ensures a safer installation and fewer crane lifts than with three bladed equivalents.
The Gaia-Wind small wind turbine is a constant speed machine, meaning our blade tips rotate at a constant speed; we also have three levels of safety brakes in place to stop the turbine from ever spinning off load or over-rotation. This level of technology is unique in this size and range. Many three blade turbines are allowed to spin off load; this often results in blade breakages and loss which can be incredibly dangerous. It also causes great stress on the turbine hub and shaft thus leading to costly repairs and down time.
Ground based assembly is also much faster than assembly at height. There are fewer crane lifts; work is carried out easily and quickly on the ground. This coupled with the fewer parts shipped ensures that you the customer will experience less site disruption and your small wind turbine is up and running quickly.
Two bladed small wind turbines are less noisy than their three blade equivalents as there are fewer moving parts. There is also more than one third less shadow flicker with a two blade small turbine than with a three blade turbine. As the Gaia-Wind small wind turbine is both quieter and less prone to flicker than three blade machines this can speed up the lenghty planning process and result in fewer objections to your installation.
The two bladed Gaia-Wind small wind turbine was developed in the early 90’s in Denmark, a world leader in wind power. The first wind turbine has been operational since 1993, representing almost 20 years of operational experience. Most competing three blade turbines have only been around in their current design for less than 3 years and some even less time. The Gaia-Wind small wind turbine design is one that has worked well for many years. Independent testing proves that the Gaia-Wind small wind turbine out produces equivalent three blade designs: http://www.nrel.gov/wind/smallwind/gaia_wind.html
Throughout history small wind turbines come in many different shapes and sizes. Traditional Dutch Windmill power was four bladed, a power source that has been in operation in Europe for centuries. In the USA wind pumping watermills are incredibly prolific and have many blades.
Paul Gipe, renound author of “Wind Energy Basics” recently heralded “The Return of Two Blades” concluding that just because two blades are not prolific doesn’t mean they don’t work, with over 20 years of successful operational experience Gaia-Wind have already established an excellent track record with this design.
Mick Sagrillo, leading Small Wind Guru and author recently said in Homebrew Wind Power: “Two blade rotors work fine, spin fast, and are quite efficient.”
Benefit from a Gaia-Wind small wind turbine today by calling +44 (0) 845 871 4242 or by emailing us for more information or to speak to a representative.
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Gaia-Wind small wind turbines really do generate better value for you. The Gaia-Wind 133-11kW turbine is the best performing small wind turbine in its class by a significant margin.
Comparing small wind turbines can be tricky without an understanding of exactly what affects the amount of energy they produce. This short guide explains a few important differences.
Tariffs and incentives vary the world over. The UK Government operate a Feed in Tariff of 26.7p per kWhr while in the USA rebates and incentives are developed locally and vary in nature.
