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Air-X motor
By JW1111, Section Wind Posted on Tue May 6th, 2008 at 11:22:25 PM MST
Air-X motor equivilant

Does anyone know what size motor is in the SWWP Air-X? I have owned one for almost a year and have a fairly accurate wind speed to amps ratio scheduled out. For 24 volt 14 mph=2 amps, 25 mph=5 amps, 35 mph =10-12 amps, 40 mph=shut down, etc. From what I have read here it sounds like the Ametek 38 volt motor is similar.

Air-X motor | 9 comments (9 topical, 0 editorial)

Re: Air-X motor (3.00 / 0) (#1)
by ghurd on Tue May 6th, 2008 at 06:42:17 PM MST
(User Info)

My understanding of the Ametek 38 is they won't break 10A.
But in most places they will beat an Air-X for total power output.
G-

Re: Air-X motor (3.00 / 0) (#2)
by Jerry on Tue May 6th, 2008 at 08:44:37 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.dplusv.com/Photo-03.html

Use a GE ECMM 1 HP. It will out preform the 403.

JK TAS Jerry

Airheads Page

[ Parent ]

Re: Air-X motor (3.00 / 0) (#3)
by Flux on Wed May 7th, 2008 at 02:56:18 AM MST
(User Info)

The Air X has a permanent magnet alternator. No major manufacturer would adapt motors. A few small manufacturers seem to sell things based on surplus Tape spool motors.

It is rated at 450W but it needs a good wind to do it. Ideal for marine applications or first class inland wind sites. It performs rather poorly in low wind areas as the compromises made to get the high top end performance ( sells better) make it virtually useless below 10 mph.

Energy capture is much more related to prop diameter than alternator maximum rating.

Most wind areas produce 90% of the energy in winds below 20 mph. A well designed 100W machine set up for low wind will capture more energy in most inland sites.

Flux

[ Parent ]

Re: Air-X motor (3.00 / 0) (#4)
by wpowokal on Wed May 7th, 2008 at 05:56:55 AM MST
(User Info)

Here is a site that lists some comparison figures on Ametek motors.

http://www.tlgwindpower.com/ametek.htm

allan down under
A life lived in fear is a life half lived.

Re: Air-X motor (3.00 / 0) (#5)
by JW1111 on Wed May 7th, 2008 at 08:06:35 AM MST
(User Info)

I wonder why that site does not list the 38 volt?
The new performance curve specs on the new Air (Breeze) are down to 200 watts max (more realistic). I also noticed they have abondened the amps power curve and are displaying the more ambiguous, less binding, kilowatt curve. My Air X has never even come close to 400 watts.

[ Parent ]

Re: Air-X motor (3.00 / 0) (#6)
by JW1111 on Wed May 7th, 2008 at 08:08:29 AM MST
(User Info)

Forgot to mention I am right on Lake Michigan and winds up 40 mph are common.

[ Parent ]

Re: Air-X motor (3.00 / 0) (#7)
by Flux on Wed May 7th, 2008 at 10:29:45 AM MST
(User Info)

The reason why it never comes close to 400W is because the dynamic braking will operate to hold speed. It should if set up correctly hit close on 400W instantaneous before braking. It is rated at 400W but as the duty cycle in high winds is low or very low the average power that you can measure into a load is way down and falls with increased wind speed.

In their data I think they claim peak so they are meeting the spec but realistically it is a poor 200W machine. The old 403 could just about do the 400W but the blade flapping speed regulating scheme produced noise that nobody could live with and they had to do something.

If you want to avoid furling or pitch control something has to give.

Probably the Amtecs can do as well in lower winds if correctly matched but a decent air gap alternator will out perform either.

Flux

[ Parent ]

Re: Air-X motor (3.00 / 0) (#8)
by JW1111 on Thu May 8th, 2008 at 05:16:47 AM MST
(User Info)

Thanks, the machine has served the purpose of getting me started. But I think Southwest Windpower needs to take a course in business ethics with emphasis on the section related to false advertising. I thought initially the Air-x was over-rated to bolster kilowatt-based wind energy tax subsidies. Now I think they are just a bunch of liars. Thanks for your information.

[ Parent ]

Re: Air-X motor (3.00 / 0) (#9)
by Simen on Fri May 9th, 2008 at 12:51:29 AM MST
(User Info) http://www.mwlmf.net

Maybe that's why they've come up with the Air-Breeze? :D Very similar to Air-X, but with rated power at 200W, and a lower start-up speed.

[ Parent ]

Air-X motor | 9 comments (9 topical, 0 editorial)

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