Wind turbines advertized in the US and elsewhere such as Bergey,
Airx, Whisper, Proven and other prop style must be mounted on 60,
80, 100 feet towers. Since these towers are not tilt up, in case of hurricanes
or routine maintenance a crane service is needed. The cost is high.
Some wind turbine installations were damaged this past year in the
USA due to the fact that 1740 tornadoes have been recorded. In
the DR hurricanes these type of turbines(small residential) don't
stand a chance of survival.
My advice to owners of small wind turbines here in the DR is to
convert their towers to tilt up. The risk of having their system
damaged or destroyed by a hurricane is high. Furling, braking
or shut down systems are available from the manufacturers. These
protection features were implemented only to avoid overspinning
which results into wear and tear, overheating etc. By no means,
furling or braking provides hurricane protection!!!
Generally speaking, none of the wind turbines on the market is
suitable for the DR. This is the area I am working on. So far, testing
results are good but more is needed. A ptototype is to be installed
this coming March at the Puerto Plata area. Public viewing will
be possible and production is to begin in the summer 2005. Efforts
are made to make this type of turbine available to other Caribbean countries.
Georgios.
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