2009 design manual V E R T I C A L W I N D T U R B I N E
A New Approach to Wind Power
FORM MEETS FUNCTION IN WIND ENERGY Windspire is a welcome solution for architects, planners and developers involved in sustainable design. Offering wind power systems with flexible siting options and impressive power production, the Windspire vertical wind turbine is reshaping renewable energy projects with a new look and a cost competitive advantage. The Windspire is designed and manufactured by small wind technology company Mariah Power. The company is based in Reno, Nevada and has a volume manufacturing facility in Manistee, Michigan. DESIGN WITH WINDSPIRE Work in series. Create through variations in height, rotor size and color. Design through building integration to capture more energy. PROVIDE SCALABLE POWER Increase power with an array of units. Site a micro-wind plant within zoning guidelines. PLACE IN MORE HUMAN ENVIRONMENTS Silent. Sculptural. Bring wind power close to areas where people live and work. CREATE A VISUAL STATEMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE DESIGN Value-added impact to express a variety of motivations and project goals. 3
SCALABLE WIND POWER The Windspire form enables it to function in close proximity to other units. Silent operation makes it appropriate to site Windspire wind turbines in more populated places. Now, new opportunities exist for the design professional to harness wind energy in sensational ways. CAPTURE THE WIND THROUGH FLEXIBLE SITING STRATEGIES SCALE UP A WIND PROJECT WITH MULTIPLE WINDSPIRES Install substantial power without tall towers TURN RENEWABLE ENERGY INTO A DESIGN STATEMENT Clustered in a wind garden In line along a roof edge Taking advantage of urban wind 4
INTENTIONAL DEVELOPMENT WINDSPIRE IS AN AMERICAN INNOVATION FROM MARIAH POWER DESIGNED FOR ARCHITECTURAL APPEAL Slender profile is only 30 feet in height with a clearly defined spatial presence SYSTEM INTEGRATION FOCUSED ON HIGHER EFFICIENCIES Windspire vertical wind turbine technology is a result of Mariah Power s extensive research and a creative strategy in wind turbine design. Combining patented electronics and structural innovations, Windspire has achieved competitive energy output with vertical-axis technology. Breakthroughs in generator and inverter compatibility work with an optimized rotor configuration to produce more energy. The monopole design delivers a viable system with lower initial and long term costs. QUALITY CONTROL ACHIEVED EARLY THROUGH MASS PRODUCTION Having established proof-of-concept after 4 years of testing and development, Mariah Power accomplished a fast-track move to mass-production. With quality control systems in place at Mariah Power s US manufacturing facility, customers benefit from state of the art fabrication and savings passed on through controlled prices. TESTED. PROVEN. INDEPENDENT THIRD-PARTY TESTING Mariah Power is committed to testing in real-world settings and through independent facilities. Completed and ongoing third-party testing distinguishes Mariah Power in the VAWT industry and certifies Windspire s performance. COMPETITIVE COST AND POWER PRODUCTION The relevant factor when comparing wind power systems is the Annual Energy Production (AEP), or how much electricity a unit generates per year, compared to the installed cost of the system. Windspire s AEP vs. total installed cost makes it highly competitive when compared to other wind turbines. Less important is a unit s generator size, which can vary substantially in small wind turbines. Windspire s generator is designed to be highly efficient and outperforms many wind turbines with larger generators in a kwh / $ comparison. Advantages also exist for long term costs. Multiple Windspires provide system redundancy and reduce any downtime. Accessible components, not on tall towers, involve less expenses. 6
STRATEGIES FOR INTEGRATING WINDSPIRE UNDERSTAND WIND Assess airflow at a site and how to capture its energy. OPTIMIZE SITING Find the best location on a site for a Windspire installation, or design a site to maximize available wind resources. SELECT THE RIGHT WINDSPIRE Windspire vertical wind turbines can be customized in height, color and offer a range of power outputs. A modular platform allows selection from a variety of rotor and airfoil combinations depending on local winds. 9
understanding airflow at a site WIND AND AIRFLOW BASICS To site a Windspire for best power production, it is important to understand the conditions at a site, including: 1. Available wind resource 2. Direction of the prevailing winds 3. Locations of obstructions, both existing and predicted Estimating a range for annual average wind speeds is possible by several sources, including wind maps, area weather stations, visual reference scales and local knowledge. These tools should serve as general guides, remembering that specific conditions at the proposed site could vary greatly. A yearlong anemometer study is most accurate, but costs ranging from $2,000 - $5,000 can be prohibitive and time-consuming. Knowing the direction of local prevailing winds is important to help find the best orientation and avoid turbulence from obstacles. Turbulence slows down airflow and reduces power production. The wind has the most potential power where it is least obstructed, which is often the highest point on the site. Wind speed increases with height, and gaining even a small increase in velocity will result in exponentially better power production. A minor 10% increase in wind speed will create 33% more available power. Where obstacles block clear access to the wind, Windspire wind turbines can be installed higher on base pole extensions or even on top of a building. This should be coordinated with local zoning height restrictions. Complex terrain requires more careful consideration. Siting on the windy side of a hill will allow more access to prevailing winds than in a gully or on the leeward (sheltered) side of the same hill. Wind splits long before reaching an obstacle, creating pockets of dead air upwind of the obstacle and a turbulent vacuum on the downwind side of the obstacle. Looking for or creating areas with accelerated airflow can increase the power output of a Windspire installation. More factors are considered for complex terrains. 10
BUILDING AND SITE INTEGRATION There is significant advantage to be had in a wind energy project by developing a building or site for wind power early in the design process. Planning buildings to funnel air toward a Windspire installation can increase project viability while offering unique architectural opportunities. In locations that might preclude a ground installation, Windspires may be incorporated into a building under the right circumstances. Airflow compresses at the leading edge of a building. As wind travels over the building, this compression can create an accelerated airstream with potentially increased power. Once past the leading edge, airflow separation occurs resulting in eddies and stagnant areas. Windspires on buildings should be located at the highest and clearest areas on the side of the building facing the prevailing wind. The building structure will have to be sufficiently rigid to accommodate for the added moment of the wind turbine. Typically, heavy steel frame and concrete structures will be the most suitable. Parking garages are often ideal for a Windspire installation because they allow easy access to the mounting structure. Roof-top Installations should be located on the leading edge of a building facing prevailing winds. This offers the best possibility of capturing the wind that is being compressed and accelerated as it passes over the building. Shaping a building to create conditions for increased airflow can result in significant power increases over the surrounding environment. Computational fluid dynamic modeling combined with architectural 3-D modeling can assist in predicting these unusual airflows early in the design process. PERFORMANCE SITING When wind power is considered early in the planning stages, it is possible to orient buildings on a site, or even shape buildings themselves, to accelerate existing airflows. Windspire technology, based on a flexible platform, can be incorporated into the design for maximum power generation. Identifying areas of accelerated airflow unique to a specific site can also help locate a Windspire wind turbine installation and boost a project s performance. Pre-existing anomalies, such as funnel effects from valleys, building orientations, or city streets, may create currents with wind speeds higher than in surrounding areas. 11
site design parameters A=MINIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN WINDSPIRES 0=ANGLE OFFSET FROM PREVAILING WIND Prevailing Winds SITING WINDSPIRES In order to successfully site a Windspire installation, designers should be aware of the prevailing wind and relationships to obstacles at and around the site. Siting multiple Windspire wind turbines requires additional consideration regarding the drag (reduced airflow) that one unit may have upon another. CLEARANCES BETWEEN WINDSPIRES Windspires should be placed in series according to their orientation to the prevailing winds. Angle offset from wind 0 8 15 8.3 30 9.2 45 11.2 60 15.4 75 26.5 90 50 Distance required (feet) 12
site design parameters 30 downwind 50 ea. side 75 0 45 Windspire to Windspire Clearances 100 upwind 90 Clearance to major obstructions Prevailing Winds CLEARANCES TO MAJOR OBSTACLES Nearby obstacles such as trees and buildings create turbulence which can slow wind speed and reduce power production. Windspires should be sited with these guidelines in mind. Direction from Windspire Upwind 100 Beside 50 Downwind 30 Distance required (feet) ZONING REGULATIONS Zoning regulations typically define height restrictions and setback requirements. Many jurisdictions have enacted wind ordinances that redefine these requirements as fall zones (usually equal to 1 to 1.5 times the height of the wind turbine) as well as defining sound level maximums, color, and even the number of wind turbines per property. Windspire is virtually silent, only 30 tall and fits under just about all ordinance height restrictions, even with a 5 base pole extension. Also Windspire wind turbines requires less land and will have fewer setback conflicts. 13
windspire options WINDSPIRE MODEL RANGE COMING SOON STANDARD WINDSPIRE EXTREME-WINDS WINDSPIRE DEC 2009 LOW-WIND WINDSPIRE DIMENSIONS 30 Tall x 4 Dia. 23 Tall x 4 Dia. 30 Tall x 6 Dia. 23 Tall x 6 Dia. COLLECTED AREA 80 SF 52.7 SF 120 SF 79 SF AEP 2000 kwh@ 12 mph 2050 kwh@ 15 mph In testing n/a IPR 1.2 kw 1.1 kw In testing n/a SURVIVAL SPEED 105 mph 168 mph 90 mph n/a EARLY 2010 COASTAL WINDSPIRE POWER OUTPUT Windspire provides power at 120v AC. New inverters to be released over the coming months will enable a variety of other applications. INVERTERS 120v AC 12v/24v/48v DC 230v AC 3-Phase 14
SYSTEM COMPONENTS A complete Windspire wind turbine includes four basic system components: rotor, generator, inverter, and an integrated structure. ROTOR The lift-based rotor converts the energy of moving air into rotational mechanical energy. Spinning only 2-3 times the speed of the wind (compared to about 7 times for propeller-based turbines), makes Windspire virtually silent. The vertical design allows it to capture wind shifts instantaneously and continue to produce energy in turbulent conditions. 30 35 40 50 HEIGHTS Windspire can be installed at several heights depending on site conditions. Available base pole extensions can add 5, 10 and 20 to the original 30 Windspire height. COLORS Custom order in any color. GENERATOR The generator converts the mechanical energy into electricity by rotating a magnetic field over coils to produce an electric current. Designed for 98% efficiency at low RPM. INVERTER The built-in inverter converts electricity to grid-ready 120 v. AC form. UL rating indicates that no additional electronics are needed for inter-connection with utility. The inverter also controls generator and rotor speeds to optimize power output. STRUCTURE Complete integration translates to smaller parts and easier installation/maintenance through a hinged, monopole system. Sealed bearings require no greasing. Pole made of recycled steel. 15
inter-connection and installation Windspire connects to a 20 amp breaker at the main panel, Optional net-metering and power is used will credit you for immediately. excess generation. Contact your local utility. Windspire supplies power at 120v AC directly to the distribution panel Windspire is gridready with built-in Automatic Transfer Switch. SIMPLE INSTALLATION GRID READY Windspire wind turbines produce electricity at 120v AC using a built-in UL 1741 rated inverter. Power generated will sync perfectly with grid power, and a built-in Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) will shut the unit down in case of grid failure. SIMPLE INSTALLATION AND MINIMAL MAINTENANCE Windspire requires minimal infrastructure, usually including a basic concrete foundation and dedicated circuit at the distribution panel. Assembly and tip-up using the hinged monopole is simple and low cost, taking approximately 3-4 hours per unit without heavy machinery. Windspire s 20-year life involves no scheduled maintenance. Smaller component sizes mean easy handling by facilities personnel, virtually eliminating the need for special services. 16
1.2 kw Standard Windspire Specifications Annual Energy Production (AEP) @ 12 mph Instantaneous Power Rating (IPR) Maximum Power at 30 mph (13.4 m/s) Standard Unit Height Sound Measurement Total Weight Rotor Type Rotor Material Rotor Height/Diameter 2000 kwh* 1.2 kw (1200 watts)* 1.6 kw (1600 watts)* 30 ft 9.1 m 6 db above ambient (15 mph @ 6ft from base) 624 lb 283 kg Vertical-Axis Low Speed Giromill Aircraft Grade Aluminum 20ft/4ft (6.1m/1.2m) Swept Area 80 sf / 7.42 sq. m. Max. Rotor Speed 400 RPM Tip Speed Ratio 2.3 Speed Control Wind Tracking Generator Inverter Redundant Electronic Instantaneous High Efficiency Brushless Permanent Magnet Inverter Custom Integrated Grid Tie 120 VAC 60 Hz Inverter Certification Meets IEEE 1547; UL 1741 Performance Monitor Cut-in Wind Speed AEP Avg. Winds Speed IPR Rated Winds Speed Survival Wind Speed Monopole/Structure Material Paint Coatings Warranty Integrated Wireless Zigbee Modem 8 mph 3.6 m/s 12 mph 5.4 m/s 25 mph 11.2 m/s 105 mph 47 m/s Recycled High Grade Steel 2 Coats, Corrosion -Resistant Industrial Grade Paint Rust Veto & Zinc Olive Drab 5 year limited warranty *Notes: AEP is based on assumptions, including a Rayleigh wind speed distribution and sea level air density. 18
1.1 kw Extreme Winds Windspire Specifications Annual Energy Production (AEP) @ 15 mph Instantaneous Power Rating (IPR) Maximum Power at 30 mph (13.4 m/s) Standard Unit Height Sound Measurement Total Weight Rotor Type Rotor Material Rotor Height/Diameter 2050 kwh* 1.1 kw (1200 watts)* 1.3 kw (1300 watts)* 23 ft 7.1 m 6 db above ambient (15 mph @ 6ft from base) 567 lb 257 kg Vertical-Axis Low Speed Giromill Aircraft Grade Aluminum 13.2ft/4ft (4m/1.2m) Swept Area 52.7 sf / 4.89 sq. m. Max. Rotor Speed 400 RPM Tip Speed Ratio 2.3 Speed Control Wind Tracking Generator Inverter Redundant Electronic Instantaneous High Efficiency Brushless Permanent Magnet Inverter Custom Integrated Grid Tie 120 VAC 60 Hz Inverter Certification Meets IEEE 1547; UL 1741 Performance Monitor Cut-in Wind Speed AEP Avg. Winds Speed IPR Rated Winds Speed Survival Wind Speed Monopole/Structure Material Paint Coatings Warranty Integrated Wireless Zigbee Modem 8 mph 3.6 m/s 15 mph 5.4 m/s 25 mph 11.2 m/s 168 mph 47 m/s Recycled High Grade Steel 2 Coats, Corrosion -Resistant Industrial Grade Paint Rust Veto & Zinc Olive Drab 5 year limited warranty *Notes: AEP is based on assumptions, including a Rayleigh wind speed distribution and sea level air density. 19
Mariah Power Building and Site Integration Group 252-721-0455 mariahpower.ig@bluesunrenew.com Reno, Nevada www.mariahpower.com