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AIR 403 Land Manual Document #0049 REV D
SOUTHWEST WINDPOWER 8/20/2001 36
Basic aerodynamics show that as wind moves over or around objects, the wind compresses
and accelerates. It is possible to use a building rooftop to increase the turbine’s output using
this accelerated wind. The amount of acceleration will vary greatly with house design, wind
direction, local obstructions and terrain.
There are considerable differences in acceleration due to the angle and height of a structure
and nearby obstructions. However, a location of 5 feet (1.5 m) to 8 feet (2.5 m) above the
structure produces substantial acceleration in average situations and is tolerant of different
wind directions.
For ideal sites where the prevailing wind is perpendicular to the roof-ridge line, the AIR 403s
may be mounted fairly close together 9 feet (2.75 m), center to center. However, if your wind
primarily comes from a direction along the roof-ridge line, then the AIR 403s must be spaced
to minimize interference 12 to 15 feet (3.6 to 4.5 m) and mounted as high as possible (8 feet
(2.5 m) maximum unsupported pipe). Less acceleration occurs when the wind is parallel to
the roofline.
When the prevailing wind is perpendicular to the roof edge, mount your first AIR 403 in the
center of the roof ridge and add modules to either side along the roof ridge. Where the
prevailing wind parallels the roof-ridge line, mount your first AIR 403 on the end of the
structure closest to the wind, and about 3 feet (1 meter) from the edge.
Although a rooftop can be used to accelerate the wind flowing past a house, a tower that is
much taller will experience higher winds and greater output. The advantages of rooftop
mounting are ease of mounting, low tower cost and multiple installations. The disadvantages
are lower wind speeds, increased turbulence and noise.
NOTE: Uniform building code requires that a structure must support the wind load it creates
by the area presented to the wind. The structural load applied by the wind increases with
wind speed. Any additional loads that increase area during serious storms must be
compensated for.
NOTE: Any wind generator can create vibration. Always use some type of vibration isolator
when attaching the turbine to a structure. If available it is always better to mount a wind
generator on an unoccupied building.
CAUTION: DO NOT INSTALL THE TURBINE WHERE THE PATH OF THE
BLADES CAN BE REACHED DURING NORMAL OPERATION,
