WHISPER 100/WHISPER 200 24 Foot Tower Manual
Document #0026 REV E
SOUTHWEST WINDPOWER
5/20/05
5
Necessary items not included in this kit:
Earth Anchors (explained further in the “Anchors” section of this manual, pp. 9-12)
Tubing or Pipe for Tower (p. 6)
Ground Rod and Clamp
Lightning Arrestor*
Electrical Wire
Wire Connectors (preferably copper split bolts)
Pipe Insulation (to prevent wire “rattle” inside pole) *
Electrical tape
* Optional items (these are explained in more detail in their relevant assembly sections)
Tools Needed:
Round or Half Round File
Pliers
Carpenters Level (optional)
(2) 9/16” (15mm) Wrenches /Sockets
Torque Wrench
Sledge Hammer
15/16” (24mm) Wrench
Large Adjustable wrench
Sawhorse
Ladder or 10 foot (3 m) 2x6 or 2x8
Lifting Rope
3/8” or 10mm Corded or Cordless Drill Motor
3/8” or 10mm Metal Cutting Drill Bit
Step 1: Site Selection
Site selection is the most important factor affecting the performance of your wind turbine!
The energy in the wind is the kinetic energy of the moving air mass. What a wind turbine does is
convert some of that kinetic energy into rotational energy that can then be converted to electricity.
The formula for the amount of power in the wind is a cube function of the wind speed. This means
basically that an increase in wind speed of 10% (say from 9 mph to 10 mph) will result in
approximately a 37% increase in the power available from the wind and a similar increase in
turbine performance. In almost all locations the wind speed increases as you get higher off the
ground. This is why a tall tower is very important at most wind sites. As a rule, the turbine should
be mounted as high in the air and as far away from obstructions as is possible.
To find the best location to erect your tower and wind turbine, study the available area and take
note of how the prevailing (most common) winds blow through it. If there are trees, buildings, hills
or other obstructions take note of how high they are and where they are in relation to the prevailing
wind direction. The best site for your tower and turbine will be upwind and above any obstructions
that may exist. If there are houses or trees in the surrounding area a good rule of thumb is to mount
the turbine at least 15 feet above any obstructions within 500 feet (150 m) of it.
The next consideration in siting your tower and turbine is the distance from the turbine to your
batteries. The shortest distance will require the least amount of wire, allow use of the most
economical (smallest) wire and reduce the amount of power lost through the wiring. If a long
