Owner’s Manual
BWC EXCEL 10 Turbine
Page 7
A.
ROTOR SYSTEM
The rotor system consists of three PowerFlex® fiberglass blades. Acting like aircraft
wings, the blades convert the energy of the wind into rotational forces that drive the
alternator. The PowerFlex® blades are rigidly attached to the alternator and they are
fixed pitch. The Excel 10 rotor blades have a proprietary airfoil, the BWC-7, which was
custom designed to provide high efficiency and low noise.
The blades for the EXCEL 10 are extremely strong because they are made in a
“pultrusion” process that puts more high-strength glass fibers in the structure than any
other molding technique. This contributes to their long life and toughness. Blade sets
are carefully matched for balance at the factory to ensure smooth operation of the wind
turbine. Each blade has a serial number inscribed on its root pad at the inboard end.
B.
ALTERNATOR
The alternator converts the rotational energy of the rotor into electricity. The alternator
utilizes permanent magnets and has an inverted configuration in that the outside
housing rotates, while the internal windings are stationary. It was specifically designed
for the Bergey EXCEL 10 and produces power at low speeds, eliminating the need for a
speed-increasing gearbox. Since it uses permanent magnets, the alternator is
generating voltage whenever the rotor is turning.
DANGER
The output wiring of the BWC EXCEL presents shock hazard
whenever the rotor is turning. Caution must be exercised at
all times to avoid electrical shock.
C.
MAINFRAME
The mainframe is the structural backbone of the wind turbine. It serves as the
attachment point for the yaw bearing and the housing for the yaw-axis slip-ring brushes.
The yaw-axis is the full 360 degree pivot that allows the turbine to freely align itself to
the wind direction.
D.
SLIP-RINGS AND BRUSHES
The slip-rings and brushes conduct the electricity generated in the alternator from the
moving (as it orients with the direction) wind turbine to the fixed tower wiring. The slip-
rings are enclosed in a metallic housing to help protect them from lightning.
E.
TAIL ASSEMBLY AND AUTOFURL OPERATION
