How It Works

The wind turbine blades begin to rotate once wind speeds rise above 5.5 mph. The spinning blades rotate a generator which creates direct current (DC) voltage. That DC voltage is fed into an inverter which converts the DC voltage into the more widely-used alternating current (AC) voltage. This AC voltage is then connected directly to the building’s electrical system and offsets its electrical consumption.

System Information

The wind turbine system consists of the wind turbine itself, supporting tower, and inverter.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

• Manufacturer: Urban Green Energy
• Model: UGE-1K
• Tower Height: 25.5 feet
• Blade Diameter: 5.25 feet
• Total Generation Capacity: 1.5 kW
• Estimated Production: 1,400 kWh/yr

Inverter

• Manufacturer: Magnetek
• Model: PVI-7200-WIND-INTERFACE
• UL1741 and IEEE1547 approved

Installation/Operation

Materials:

• (250) linear feet of electric wiring
• (1) Concrete Foundation
• (1) Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
• (1) Inverter

Originally, IMPA planned to install the vertical axis wind turbine on the roof of its headquarters. After reviewing the building structure, however, it was decided that the wind turbine would be better suited as a ground-mounted unit. This eliminated worries of vibration and excessive weight that would have been present if the turbine was mounted to the building.

Since the turbine is a free standing tower in a business district, a permit had to be obtained from the city of Carmel. The permitting process began in December of 2009 and was completed in late April of 2010.

ECI Wind and Solar began excavations for the foundation and electrical conduit on May 25, 2010. Once the foundation cured for 28 days and the turbine equipment was delivered, it was installed and connected to the building’s electrical panel via the inverter.

The installation of the vertical axis wind turbine was completed on September 27, 2010. The system is self contained and will require regular maintenance and mechanical checks. The lifetime of this system is expected to be 15 years.

Generation

For real-time and lifetime generation data for this system, please select the link below.

• Real-time and lifetime generation data