[RE-wrenches] Whisper 500 service

[Nathan Stumpff]

Hi Ross,

Just back from the site and I do have a couple of questions if you don't mind.


-          Shock absorber appears in good shape other than the blown out polyurethane bushing. I can easily find complete replacements for the whole shock absorber, but haven't found anyone selling just the bushing, you wouldn't have any ideas where one could find that?
[cid:image003.jpg at 01CEB936.9401C6C0]



-          The SOOW cable coming from the brush assembly is cracked in several spots (picture attached.) Any chance for a field repair on this or replacement assembly from somewhere at this point? Or am I better off just sealing it up the best I can? The actual wires appear fine, just the outer layer is damaged.
[cid:image007.jpg at 01CEB936.9401C6C0]


-          The blade edge tape is basically intact except for a couple of inches of hanging flap, which the customer has told me has been that way since the original install. How bad does it have to get before you would worry about it? Any source for replacement?

-          This is a 48V system. Turbine wiring is confirmed correct, battery wiring is correct, but the diversion load is wired differently than in the manual. The diversion load is 4 ea. 0.75 Ohm resistors, looks like 2 x 2 series/parallel. It looks like the original installer removed the factory dump load wiring and installed their own. Do you have or know where I can find a more detailed wiring diagram for the diversion load? The manual is a little vague and doesn't anywhere show the actual diversion load wiring.

Thanks so much Ross, it is really generous of you to answer being off of the SW payroll as it were. If you find yourself in Fairbanks, Alaska anytime, give us a call and we'll show you around and take you out to lunch!

All best,
-Nathan

--
Nathan J. Stumpff
NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional #091209-175
NABCEP Certified Solar Heating Installer #032412-14
Project Manager | Arctic Sun, LLC
nathan at arcticsun-llc.com <mailto:nathan at arcticsun-llc.com>  | (907) 457-1297
www.reina-llc.com<http://www.reina-llc.com/> | www.arcticsun-llc.com<http://www.arcticsun-llc.com/>
[cid:image001.png at 01CEB932.E3647CC0]<http://www.facebook.com/ArcticSunLLC>

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Ross Taylor
Sent: Friday, September 20, 2013 10:32 AM
To: re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Whisper 500 service

Hi Nathan,

I worked for SWWP for years and would be happy to speak with you and answer any questions I can.

Definitely check the furling return spring and make sure it's not broken.  It should be about 4.5-inches long.  It's a plastic coated steel spring and when the coating cracks (especially in coastal environments) the spring corrodes and breaks.  With a broken spring, the turbine can remain balanced in furl.

Also check the shock absorber and make sure the shaft isn't corroded and that it moves freely in both directions.  It's a dual-speed racing shock, moving faster in one direction (extension) than the other (compression).

Verify that the phase-to-phase output voltages are similar.  You'll have three measurements and they should be close.

Of course, also check the bearings and fasteners as well.  That's a given, sorry to state the obvious.  While you're there, also make sure the original installer put the blades on right.  The four-bolt pattern is symmetrical, so it's possible to install the blades backwards.  Most folks not familiar with wind turbines would put the blades on with the curved side facing the wind...

And, finally, see if the customer can provide you with any output data.  If it's performing well, that's a good sign the blades were put on right and the voltages were configured correctly.  But, if they called you due to low output concerns, then it might be wise to check the voltage settings.  The 500 can be set up for 24, 36, or 48 volt systems.  There are three things to change and if the original installer skipped one of them it can either lead to damage or low output, depending upon what was done.

If you have more questions or need to bounce anything off me, feel free to email me directly.  wind.trainer at gmail.com<mailto:wind.trainer at gmail.com>

Best wishes,

Ross

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