26
Air Breeze
Owner’s Manual
The Air Breeze internal voltage regulator cannot be completely turned off;
however, by setting the voltage regulation set-point to its highest value
(potentiometer turned completely clockwise), the Air Breeze internal regu-
lator may be virtually eliminated from the battery charging system.
If a charge controller other than the Air Breeze internal controller is uti-
lized, it must be a diversion style regulator. A diversion style regulator
charges the batteries, and as the batteries become charged, the excess
power is diverted to a resistive load. This technique allows for the capture
of full turbine power even after the batteries are charged.
Do not use a pulse width modulated (PWM) or shunt style control-
ler; Air Breeze is not designed to work with these types of controllers.
Additionally, most controllers designed to work with solar panels are not
suitable for use with Air Breeze. These controllers “disconnect” the solar
panels – or in this case Air Breeze - from the battery bank when the bat-
teries are charged, allowing Air Breeze to spin free, which is not recom-
mended.
CAUTION:
Do not use a pulse width modulated (PWM) or shunt
style controller; Air Breeze is not designed to work with these types
of controllers. Additionally, most controllers designed to work with
solar panels are not suitable for use with Air Breeze. These con-
trollers “disconnect” the solar panels – or in this case Air Breeze
- from the battery bank when the batteries are charged, allowing
Air Breeze to spin free, which is not recommended.
Eight - Air Breeze Maintenance
Although your Air Breeze has been designed to run for long periods with-
out requiring any maintenance, reliability and performance will be enhanced
if you periodically inspect your system.
After one month and every six months thereafter:
• Check blades for chips or nicks. Replace blades if damaged. Do not
operate the turbine with chipped or unbalanced blades. This can cause
severe wear, damage, and possible failure. Do not install individual blades.
The blades are balanced as sets.
• Check the blade bolts and the hub nut for tightness.
• Check nosecone for cracks and proper fit.
• Wash off any built-up dirt or debris from the blades.
• Check all electrical connections to make sure they are tight and free
from corrosion.
• As with all charging systems, check your battery water levels and add
distilled water in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendation.
• Southwest Windpower suggests replacing the blades and bearings every
five years for optimal performance.
CAUTION:
Never approach the turbine during operation.
