I've been lurking here for a while, trying to soak up some knowledge about axial flux machines and getting excited about the DIY, funky aspects of these machines. (Thanks, everyone who's been contributing to the board!) I worked for the "old" Enertech back in the 70s and early 80s and while it was interesting and challenging work, induction machines didn't seem very appropriate for the low wind speeds we have here in Vermont. Relatively large rotor diameter, axial flux battery charging machines are the first wind turbines I've felt would really work for my backwoods friends' remote systems. Anyway, back to the subject....
The "new" Enertech and the "old" Enertech are two completely different companies. The original company went bankrupt in 1987 and the new Enertech picked up the name this year after the copyright expired. (I have no economic connection to the new Enertech.)
The 1500 was the first Enertech gridtie machine and had some serious problems. Originally they were made with no tip brakes, an undersized mechanical brake, a couple structurally weak spots in the yaw system, and a primitive control. There were factory retrofit programs to solve the problems, but I don't think all the machines were retrofitted. The "new, improved" version was named an 1800. Hard to say about your 1500 without looking at it. If it has tip brakes, a hydraulic brake and a serial # higher than 100 (look in the control box for the SN) it might be worth getting if you can have it for the taking. What sort of tower is it on?
I have some parts available, refurbish control boards too and I think the new Enertech has some manuals available. Generators can be rewound by a motor rewind shop, and Lake Michigan Wind and Sun has some parts, too. So it's possible to save it....
Thanks again, folks!
Neil