Southwest Renewable Energy Conference

Transcription

1 A Presentation for Southwest Renewable Energy Conference Southwest Windpower, Inc. Andy Kruse 1

2 Southwest Windpower - Who We Are Founded in 1987 World s largest producer of watt wind generators 15,000+ turbines manufactured annually Over 165,000 turbines shipped and installed worldwide Sales representation in over 88 Countries worldwide Installations in 120 countries worldwide Fully integrated company: R&D, Design, Manufacturing, Sales & Service Flagstaff, Arizona Mfg. Facility 2

3 What We Do AIR Breeze Whisper 100 Skystream 3.7 AIR is the world s best selling wind turbine. More than 140,000 AIR s have been produce over the Last 12 years Whisper is the best selling Wind turbine for the cabins and telecom markets. Whisper s are installed in more than 100 countries. Over 14,000 Whispers have been produced. Skystream is the newest addition to the Southwest Windpower family. Skystream is changing the landscape of small wind. To date, 6400 turbines have been installed throughout all 50 States

4 What is Small Wind? Large Wind Small Wind Residential Wind 1MW 3MW 100 KW 50 KW 10 KW 2.4 KW Large wind systems: Typically non-distributed applications that sell bulk power to a utility or very large energy user Small wind systems: Exclusively distributed applications that produce energy for homes, farms, ranches, schools and factories (same as solar). 4

5 How They Work Typically do not use batteries Minimal permitting (as compared to large wind) Maintenance consists of annual inspection Installs in 2-3 days Designed to supplement a home or commercial business s monthly energy consumption 5

6 Small Wind Applications Brownfield, Texas Kennebunkport, Maine Oak Harbor, OH New Jersey

7 Commercial Applications Visitor Centers (NASA) Schools (Colorado) Parking Lots (Arkansas) Church (Arkansas)

8 The power generation trend is moving to distributed networks rather than bulk power production Power Plants (Oil, Gas, Coal) Commercial generation Power electronics Distributed generation Residential - Residential Wind - Solar - Fuel cells?? - Micro-turbines Nuclear Wind Power Distribution Network management Commercial/Industrial - Micro-turbines - Fuel cells -Solar -Small to Community wind Hydro 8

9 What s Driving People to Purchase Small Renewables? Economics Reduce or eliminate monthly electric bill Control Feeling better about being less dependent on the utility Climate Change Concerned with environmental issues and wanting to make a statement National Security Worried about the countries growing dependence on foreign energy 9

10 Federal and State Incentives are also driving demand Residential Small Wind Incentives Federal Incentives 1) 30% ITC for consumers 2) 30% for business as well as depreciation RPS Property Tax Exemptions Personal State Tax Credits Puerto Rico State Incentives 1) State Tax Deductions 2) Up to 50% rebates in many States BUYDOWNS/GRANTS PRODUCTIVITY INCENTIVES MINOR INCENTIVES Buydown/Grants Productivity Productivity Incentives & Loans Buydown/Grants & Incentives Loans Net Metering Net Metering & Loans Buydown/Grants, Net Metering, & Loans Net Metering, Loans & Prod. Incentives Net Metering & Prod. Incentives Net Metering Federal investment tax credits are available for turbines 100 kw and less. Nov 13, 2008 Incentive database: The cost of a 14,000 system can be as low as 3000 after all incentives in some States 10

11 Capacity in MW-dc Demand is Creating a New Market for PV Grid-Tied Off-Grid Source: Larry Sherwood of IREC The domestic PV market grew by over 60% in

12 and now for small wind Next Generation Small Wind Technology The new generation of small wind systems are fully integrated including the inverter that works on any electrical grid ranging from VAC 50/60 Hz. 12

13 Small wind - Old vs. New Component Yesterday Today Electrical Generator Alternator Blades Wood Fiberglass Bearings Grease zerks Permanent Sealed Drive Transmission Direct Over speed protection Mechanical Electrical Nacelle Steel Aluminum Electronics Synchronous Inverter There is little comparison between a wind turbine of years ago and today. 13

14 Today s Technology: Reliable, Safe and Quiet Two moving Parts (minimal maintenance) Quiet operation (less than 45 db) Survives winds in excess of 140 mph Low speed ( rpm) Electrical standards require compliance with all the latest IEEE and UL 1741 Safety Standards such as anti-islanding Product certified to international safety standards Skystream is the result of a SWWP/DOE partnership

15 Finding the Tipping Point GOAL NUMBER ONE: Continue to drive down the Cost of Energy in renewables while maintaining/improving reliability

16 How Consumers Benefit Arizona State Incentives 1) State RPS Rebate (6000) 2) Federal tax deductions ( ) 3) State Income tax deduction (25% of cost) After all incentives a 15,000 Skystream system can cost less than

17 Most asked questions in a zoning meeting: 1) Tower Heights and Types 2) Noise 3) Safety 4) Aesthetics 17

18 Locating the Tower and Height Considerations It is important to get the turbine up as high as possible to maximize energy production Avoid obstructions go for high ground; position turbine at least 25 feet above nearby features Recommendations 1) Tower heights should be between ) Or suggest the set back is equal to the tower height Setbacks should be established for visual concerns not safety

19 Towers: Free-Standing, Lattice or Guyed Monopole Guyed Lattice Recommendations 1) All towers must comply with IBC standards 2) Towers can be located up to the setback as long as the system is wet stamped 3) Guyed towers should not be recommended within city limits 19

20 Noise The sound of a small Wind generator is somewhere between a bedroom and a quiet office area What makes a small wind turbines quiet Airfoils specifically designed for low noise Very low max RPM about 320 Slot-less alternator technology Electronic stall regulation prevents loud sound in high wind Specially designed blades reduce tower shadow induced sound Most small wind turbines produce only DB (less than the average AC unit) Recommendations: All zoning regulations should specify a noise level. The DB level be less than 55 at the property line. It is a good idea to periodically allow the turbine to exceed noise levels only during extreme (winds above 30 mph) wind events.

21 Safety Produced with Corrosion resistant materials Survives winds in excess of 140 mph Low speed ( rpm) Current design standards are IEC Grid-interface comply with all the latest IEEE and UL 1741 Safety Standards such as anti-islanding Skystream at the U.S. Botanic Gardens Washington, D.C. Recommendations 1) Provisions preventing tower climbing 2) Turbine should be certified to a national or international standard 3) All wires must be buried 4) Visible external disconnect (generally a utility requirement) 21

22 Aesthetics Small wind turbines of today are becoming smaller and less noticeable. There has never been a case where a wind turbine, large or small has impacted home values DESIGN OBJECTIVES OF SMALL WIND Not be noticed (blends in) Pleasing appearance Conforms to environment (such as a light pole) Operates extremely quietly Can be easily purchased and installed. It performs as a home appliance Recommendations: Neutral Colors that blend into the environment Non reflective paints

23 Conclusion Opening the markets begins with good policy at the Federal, State, City, County and Neighborhood levels. It: Gives people an option to produce their own electricity Increases jobs in the community Protects citizens from increasing cost of electricity Reduces strain on electrical infrastructure Encourages education Creates awareness Makes Change DOE Wind for Schools Kansas 23

24 Questions? Southwest Windpower, Inc 1801 W. Hwy 66 Flagstaff, Arizona Phone: Fax: Web: Renewable Energy Made Simple 24