Whisper 500 Battery Charging Manual
Document #0023 Rev C
SOUTHWEST WINDPOWER
April 2006
2
BEFORE YOU BEGIN:
Read this entire manual. Following the instructions and recommendations in this manual will help
assure safe and enjoyable use of your new renewable energy system.
SAFETY INFORMATION: These systems present mechanical, electrical and chemical (battery)
hazards that can be life threatening. The tower or support structure could fall and cause injury
or death and property destruction. A component of the wind generator could come loose
causing injury or death and property destruction. Contact with the high speed propeller can
result in severe injury or death. High voltage from the wind generator or the inverter can cause
injury or electrocution. A burn injury can result from an electrical short. A severe chemical burn
including blinding can occur from a battery explosion or contact with the sulfuric acid in a lead-
acid battery.
These conditions are addressed in the following safety messages:
STOP! DANGER!
It is your responsibility to obtain all required permits and engineering certifications for
your tower and tower location. Soil and wind conditions vary and towers and tower foundations must be
designed for your specific location. Tower must not be able to fall on occupied buildings, neighbor's
property or power lines. Tower climbing is dangerous and should be attempted only by experienced
personnel using proper safety equipment. A fold-over tower can eliminate climbing. Locate your
mounting mast (tower) well away from occupied buildings and power lines; a minimum of 100m (300 ft)
is recommended.
STOP! DANGER!
If the generator appears or sounds loose in the tower or is making an unusual sound,
the condition must be corrected immediately. A loose generator or component will soon damage itself
further and may fall from the tower or lose parts that could be lethal. Never stand in line with an
operating propeller.
STOP! DANGER!
Provide climbing protection against all unauthorized persons or children. Never allow
an untrained person or someone without the proper safety equipment to climb the tower. Always stop
the propeller before climbing the tower. Both falling from the tower and contact with the operating
propeller can be lethal.
STOP! DANGER!
High voltage systems (that is, systems with battery voltages of 64 volts and above or
the primary side of any system with a transformer) represent a dangerous shock hazard and could be
lethal. All high voltage systems should be wired and maintained by a qualified and licensed electrician.
STOP! DANGER!
Batteries may emit explosive and irritating gas while charging. Never turn on a light
switch or make any other electrical connection or light a match or make any type of spark near a
recently-charged battery. Use protective gloves and eyeglasses when working around a battery. Turn
off all loads, wear safety glasses, and look away when making a final battery connection.
STOP! DANGER!
NEVER place objects on top or near the Whisper Controller enclosure, diversion load,
transformer, Aurora Wind Interface or inverter, when applicable. These devices must dissipate heat as
part of normal operation. FIRE AND FAILURE can result if airflow is blocked.
