Whisper Wind Generators

People have used wind power to grind corn, pump water and drive ships for over a thousand years. For a little over 100 years, wind energy has also been used to produce electricity.

Today, it is estimated that more than 50,000 wind generators (also known as wind turbines) are produced each year.

Wind power is now used to produce electricity for a variety of off-grid applications, including cabins, remote homes, water pumping, telecommunication systems, marine applications, agricultural applications and more. All across North America, people are installing their own wind generators to reduce or eliminate their electric bills. Government tax credits are often available to help offset the initial investment in wind power.

Wind power, solar panels and fossil-fuel powered generators are often used together in a hybrid system to offset the variability of sun and wind resources.

Whisper Wind Generators by Southwest Windpower

Southwest Windpower is the world’s largest producer of small wind generators and distributes in more than 88 countries.

The entire line-up of Whisper Wind Generators are among the quietest on the market according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. All Whisper models feature high efficiency composite airfoil blade design and injection-molded fiber-reinforced blades. Each uses a direct drive, brushless, permanent magnet 3-phase alternator for high power and low cost. Their sealed bearings are permanently lubricated for low maintenance. The generator frames are either stainless steel or cast aluminum. The smaller models are preset for 24 volt, but are easy to configure to 12, 36 or 48 volt.

Whisper Wind Generator Applications

The standard configuration for Whisper Wind Generators is for off-grid use. This means they produce DC electricity. The DC output charges batteries which are then used to provide power where it is needed, such as cabins and remote homes, barns and off-grid equipment. AC output is optional on some models.

Whisper Controllers

Unlike many other small wind systems, all Whisper models ship with a controller that includes a diverter to ensure quiet safe operation of your wind turbine when the batteries are charged. The controllers may be easily configured for 12V, 24V, 36V and 48V operation. They may also be set to turn off the wind generator when the batteries are fully charged or just at the owner’s convenience.

Whisper controllers install in minutes and protect both your wind turbine and batteries. The Whisper Controller conveniently fits inside your battery room. An optional LCD display allows you to receive real time data on the performance of your Whisper Wind Generator. The display can be located up to 1000 feet (300 meters) away from your controller. You can even add an anemometer to your controller to measure wind speed and compare it to the output to make sure you are getting the most from your Whisper Wind Generator.

Wind, as Easy to Use as Photovoltaics

The smallest Whisper Wind Generator, the Whisper 100, is designed for even the novice. It can be installed in just a few hours with no welding, no concrete and no cranes.

Building a Reliable Hybrid Off-Grid Power System

Any of the Whisper Wind Generator models can be combined with solar panels and fossil-fuel powered generators to ensure 24/365 power. Solar and wind resources often compliment each other, whether it is sunny and calm or cloudy and windy, while a fuel-powered generator may be used to recharge batteries in an emergency.

Maximum Output in Any Wind

Standard equipment with every Whisper Wind Generator includes the patented side-furling Angle-Governor. The governor protects the turbine in high winds by turning the alternator and blades out of the wind, reducing turbine exposure. Other wind turbines can lose as much as 80% of their output when furled, but the Angle-Governor allows the Whisper to achieve maximum output in any wind.

Whisper Tower Install Video

Tower kits for all Whisper Wind Generators have been designed to be easy and safe to install. The tilt-up tower kits allow you to assemble your wind generator on the ground and require no welding or machining. Standardized anchors are available for any installation. You purchase the pipe material and power wires locally to fit your specific application.

Whisper Wind Generator tower installation video:

 

 

Whisper 100™ by Southwest Windpower

The Whisper 100™ by Southwest Windpower provides dependable energy for remote homes, telecommunications sites and rural applications in moderate to extreme environments. Reliable operation by thousands of customers makes Whisper 100 the top selling small wind turbine in its class. Assuming a 12 mph (5.4 m/s) average wind, a Whisper 100 will produce 100 kWh per month.

The Whisper 100 is one of the quietest wind turbines ever tested by the National Renewable Energy Labs. (National Renewable Energy Laboratory Acoustic Noise Test Results).

In addition to its patented, smooth-acting side-furling design, the Whisper 100 has a number of features that make it an ideal compliment to any new or existing photovoltaic system.

  • A four bearing spindle for smoother operation and longer life;
  • An upgraded Yaw shaft that more efficiently delivers current to your batteries;
  • Bronze bushings and large diameter furling pin for smoother furling action;
  • Castings that allow easy access to the stator for changing voltage;
  • The Whisper Controller is included with every Whisper Wind Generator.

Technical Specifications

  • Rotor Diameter: 7 ft (2.1 m)
  • Weight: 47 lb (21 kg) box: 74 lb (22.56 kg)
  • Shipping Dimensions: 51 x 20 x 13 in. (1295 x 508 x 330 mm)
  • Mount: 2.5 in. schedule 40 (6.35 cm) pipe
  • Start-Up Wind Speed: 7.5 mph (3.4 m/s)
  • Voltage: 12, 24, 36, 48 VDC
  • Rated Power: 900 watts at 28 mph (12.5 m/s)
  • Turbine Controller: Whisper controller
  • Body: Cast aluminum/marine option
  • Blades: 3-Carbon reinforced fiberglass
  • Overspeed Protection: Patented side-furling
  • Kilowatt Hours Per Month: 100 kWh/mo at 12 mph (5.4 m/s)
  • Survival Wind Speed: 120 mph (55 m/s)
  • Warranty: 5 year limited warranty

(The Whisper 100 is also available as a Nautica model, which is intended for marine use or when located near salt water. Special coatings, gaskets and stainless steel protect all vital parts of the wind generator.)

 

 

Whisper 200™ by Southwest Windpower

The versatile Whisper 200™ by Southwest Windpower powers applications from remote homes to water pumping. The Whisper 200 can also be configured to produce 120V or 240V AC output.

The Whisper 200’s 9-foot (2.7 m) blade has almost twice the swept area of the Whisper 100, yielding twice the energy. A high voltage model is available for transmission over long distances. Best for low to moderate wind – 7 mph (3 m/s) and above.

Technical Specifications

  • Rotor Diameter: 9 feet (2.7 m)
  • Weight: 65 lb (30 kg) box: 87 lb (39.46 kg)
  • Shipping Dimensions: 51 x 20 x 13 in. (1295 x 508 x 330 mm)
  • Mount: 2.5 in. schedule 40 (6.35 cm) pipe
  • Start-Up Wind Speed: 7 mph (3.1 m/s)
  • Voltage: 24, 36, 48 VDC (HV available)
  • Rated Power: 1000 watts at 26 mph (11.6 m/s)
  • Turbine Controller: Whisper controller
  • Body: Cast aluminum/marine option
  • Blades: 3-Carbon reinforced fiberglass
  • Overspeed Protection: Patented side-furling
  • Kilowatt Hours Per Month: 200 kWh/mo at 12 mph (5.4 m/s)
  • Survival Wind Speed: 120 mph (55 m/s)
  • Warranty: 5 year limited warranty

(The Whisper 200 is also available as a Nautica model, which is intended for marine use or when located near salt water. Special coatings, gaskets and stainless steel protect all vital parts of the wind generator.)

 

 

Whisper 500™ by Southwest Windpower

 

Serious Power from a Medium Sized Small Wind Turbine

The Whisper 500™ by Southwest Windpower can produce enough energy to power an entire home. Assuming a 12 mph (5.4 m/s) wind, a Whisper 500 will produce as much as 500 kWh per month. That is enough energy to power the average California home.

Other features of the Whisper 500 include:
• 5 year warranty
• Durable composite blades
• Powder coated steel body
• Whisper Controller with diversion load and display
• Angle-governor to protect blades and allow maximum output in any wind

Technical Specifications

  • Rotor Diameter: 15 feet (4.5 m)
  • Weight 155 lb (70 kg)
  • Shipping Dimensions: Box 1 (body): 36 x 25 x 32 in. (914 x 635 x 812 mm) 295 lb (133.8 kg)
  • Shipping Dimensions: Box 2 (blades): 88 x 12 x 6 in. (2235 x 305 x 152 mm) 38 lb (17.2 kg)
  • Shipping Dimensions: Box 3 (controller): 22 x 15 x 10 in. (559 x 381 x 254 mm) 75 lb (35 kg)
  • Mount: 5 in. schedule 40 (12.7 cm) pipe
  • Start-Up Wind Speed: 7.5 mph (3.4 m/s)
  • Voltage: 24, 36, 48 VDC (high voltage avail.)
  • Rated Power: 3000 watts at 24 mph (10.5 m/s)
  • Peak Power: 3200 watts at 27 mph (12 m/s)
  • Turbine Controller: Whisper Charge Controller (included)
  • Body: Welded steel; powder coated protection (not marine grade)
  • Blades: 2-Carbon reinforced fiberglass
  • Overspeed Protection: Side-furling
  • Kilowatt Hours/Month: 538 kWh/mo at 12 mph (5.4 m/s)
  • Survival Wind Speed: 120 mph (55 m/s)
  • Warranty: 5 year limited warranty

 

 

Reviews and Testimonials

from the Department of Energy Small Wind Guide
Living Off-Grid: A Success Story
[A] home, built near Ward, Colorado (at an elevation of 9000 feet), has been off-grid since it was built in 1972. When the house was built, the nearest utility was over a mile away, and it would have cost between $60K–$70K (based on 1985 rates) to connect to the utility lines. The owners decided to install a hybrid electric system powered by wind, solar, and a generator for a cost of about $19,700. Electric appliances in the home include television, stereo, two computers, toaster, blender, vacuum cleaner, and hair dryer. The largest electric loads are created by a well pump and washing machine. The generator runs about 20% of the time, particularly when the washing machine is in use. Propane serves the other major loads in the home: range, refrigerator, hot water, and space heat. Solar collectors on the roof provide pre-heating for the hot water.

from www.goinggreen.mytrumedia.com
Now, any Whisper 200 can have its voltage changed, 12-48V DC, within a few minutes in the field…The Whisper 200 does produce more noise than it’s 100 counterpart, but it does produce almost twice the power.

from www.solar-cheap.com
The Southwest Windpower Whisper 100 … is high-powered, durable, and silent as a whisper.

from www.sikantisearth.com
These wind turbines are some of the quietest wind turbines tested by the National Renewable Energy Labs.

from www.powerplans.net
The Whisper 500 … blades are carbon reinforced fiberglass and are designed to cut in at 7.5 mph, while being capable of sustaining 120 mile per hour wind speeds without damage. You’ll start producing power much sooner, and you won’t have to worry about the winds damaging your turbine.

from www.trendir.com
The Whisper 500 Wind Turbine from Southwest Windpower was designed for those living in far-out areas, and delivers optimal performance in harsh high-wind environments.

 

 

Manufacturer:

Southwest Windpower
1801 W. Route 66
Flagstaff, AZ 86001 USA
Makers of Skystream 3.7® / AIR / Whisper
928.779.9463
www.windenergy.com