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AIR 403 Land Manual Document #0049 REV D
SOUTHWEST WINDPOWER 8/20/2001 26
prematurely stop charging. The AIR 403’s trickle charge could potentially over-charge the
smaller battery.
Measure the voltage at the battery terminals to which the AIR 403 is connected. For the
factory regulation set point, if the voltage for a 12v system reads 14.1 or higher (24v
28.2), then the turbine will sense the battery is charged and stop producing power. (In
high winds there will still be a trickle charge.)
NOTE: THE AIR 403 ELECTRONICS INCLUDE INTERNAL DIODES. DO NOT PUT
ADDITIONAL BLOCKING DIODES IN BETWEEN THE AIR 403’S WIRES AND THE
BATTERIES. ANY DIODES BETWEEN THE TURBINE AND THE BATTERIES WILL
PREVENT THE TURBINE FROM PROPERLY “SENSING” THE BATTERIES.
While you are conducting output tests, make sure no other devices such as alternators or
photovoltaic panels are charging the batteries at the same time. The total voltage from other
charging sources could increase the battery voltage causing the AIR 403’s regulator to think
the batteries are charged and prematurely stop charging.
It is a good idea to connect the wires from the AIR 403 to separate battery terminals on the
battery bank to ensure the turbine reads the battery voltage instead of output voltages from
other charging sources. Higher input voltages from solar panels can trick the AIR 403 into
thinking the battery is charged.
Also, check the condition of each individual battery. One bad battery can create high
voltages (16-18 volts) and stop the turbine from charging. Consult the battery manufacturer
for testing individual batteries or cells.
5.3 Elevation
An important fact to keep in mind is elevation. The higher a wind generator is from sea level,
the lower the air density. Air density is directly proportional to the output of your turbine. Here
are some general numbers to keep in mind when determining the maximum output that can be
expected from a wind turbine.
1-500 ft (0 – 150 m) 100%
500-1000 ft (150 – 300 m) 97%
1000 - 2000 ft (300 – 600 m) 94%
2000 - 3000 ft (600 – 900 m) 91%
3000 - 4000 ft (900 – 1200 m) 88%
4000 - 5000 ft (1200 – 1500 m) 85%
5000 - 6000 ft (1500 – 1800 m) 82%
6000 - 7000 ft (1800 – 2100 m) 79%
7000 - 8000 ft (2100 – 2400 m) 76%
8000 - 9000 ft (2400 – 2700 m) 73%
9000 - 10,000 ft (2700 – 3000 m) 70%
