American Zephyr Airdolphin GTO 250V Grid-Tie Wind Turbine, Z-1000-250
The high DC voltage output Airdolphin GTO (Grid-Tie Optimized) is American Zephyr's latest small wind turbine model, rated 1.1 kW at 12.5 m/s (27 mph) with peak output reaching 4 kW at 20 m/s (44 mph). The Airdolphin Z-1000-48 GTO connects to the utility grid via PV inverters. Supported by its unique Intelligent Power Management System, the unit maintains seamless operation from cut-in wind speed of just 2.5 m/s (5.3 mph) to extremely windy conditions.
Weighing less than 19.5 kg (42.9 lbs.) with a rotor diameter of only 1.8 m (6”), the Airdolphin GTO is the most efficient and easily installed small wind turbine in its class. Zephyr’s Airdolphin Series is engineered and tested for reliability under every condition, providing years of maintenance-free operation.
Previously, a dedicated grid-tie inverter was required to send back turbine-generated electricity (250V DC) to commercial utility grids. Since each country had different electric power specifications, it was difficult to meet every one of them. Airdolphin GTO’s technology has solved this problem by enabling the use of commonly sold PV inverters. By connecting multiple Airdolphins to a single grid-tie inverter, the cost/performance ratio can be dramatically improved. Dedicated software prevents Airdolphin’s maximum output from exceeding the inverter’s capacity.
The blades of each Airdolphin are created with Zephyr’s patented SD blade technology (noise reduction ridges). Their designers were inspired by the feather patterns of owl wings, which allow owls to fly in silence. This technology applies a series of thin ridges to the surface of each blade, creating micro vortices to keep the airflow attached to the airfoil longer than conventional blades, thus reducing decibel count.
Airdolphin Features:
Swing Rudder
Zephyr's patented Swing Rudder System is an altitude control system inspired by a fish tail fin, which allows the turbine to instantly respond to subtle wind shifts for improved power generation.
Rotor
The rotor system seamlessly responds to various wind conditions, offering a high wind-to-power conversion factor by utilizing ultra low mass stiff blades, a multi-stagger blended airfoil blade, and a dynamically balanced blade and hub system. These elements work together to constantly control the rotor speed for maximum power output.
Patented Noise Reduction Innovation
The Silent Disrupter (SD) Blade features numerous thin grooves on its surface, which significantly reduce air flow noise. The design was inspired by the wings of an owl that enable it to fly silently while approaching its prey.
Robust Body Structure
The screw-less assembly of the body is inspired by Japanese traditional block puzzle structure. This ensures precise fitting and superb resistance to adverse weather conditions, requiring minimum maintenance.
Power Assist Function
When there is no wind, the Airdolphin uses previously generated power to rotate for 10 seconds every minute. This lets the rotor start up from a subtle wind and efficiently reach the cut-in point. The function also prevents freezing in cold weather.
Intelligent Power Management System
With original patented technologies, the intelligent power management system (patents pending) realizes consistent blade rotation speed while encountering turbulent gusts. Even during hurricanes, Airdolphin can still deliver stable output power after reaching peak wind speed. This is a crucial attribute for small wind turbines which often face turbulence caused by tall city buildings. When the wind speed exceeds 20 m/s (44.7mph), Airdolphin continues delivering output power at a reduced rotation speed with no need for cut-out. The outstanding performance is achieved by software driven microprocessors. Airdolphin also has various safety features enabling it to detect adverse conditions for automatic shut down.
Generator
The light-weight generator achieves remarkably high power density with tightly wound coils and powerful neodymium iron boron magnets. These two features combine to implement the optimum duty cycle by electronically damping the rotor.
Life Cycle Assessment
An extensive survey based on Japan’s LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) standards showed that an Airdolphin offsets its manufacturing carbon footprints (180kg-CO2) with less than three months of operation in Japan at an average wind speed of 4.5 m/s (11.2 mph). Data source: The University of Tokyo’s Hirao Laboratory.
Zephyr Airdolphin Series Specifications:
