Tested around the world for more than 20 years, the AOC 15/50 is a 50 Kilowatt downwind turbine manufactured in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The 15/50 refers to the 15m rotor diameter and its projected rated output of 50 kW. Based on a simple design with no nacelle, it comes with a standard tower that is 80 ft (24.4 m) tall with a self-supporting lattice structure. There are two versions: the 50 Hz for overseas, and the 60 Hz for North America.

To protect the turbine from being damaged, the AOC 15/50 generally shuts down if winds reach a speed above 80.5 km/h. The AOC 15/50 has a peak survival wind speed of 214 km/h.

Yes. The standard tower is a three-legged steel lattice tower. Monopole tower options are also available, but they are more expensive to make and to ship. You can also get towers in 100, 120 or 140 ft. For easier maintenance, there is the option for an 80 ft tilt down tower, which does not require a crane.

It depends on how much wind is hitting your turbine. However, here are a few calculations with different average wind speeds to give you an idea. Note: These are based on 100 per cent availability and are only estimates.

50Hz: Avg Wind Speed of 24 km/h = approx. 145,000 kWh – Avg Wind Speed of 29 km/h = approx. 190,000 kWh

60 Hz: Avg Wind Speed of 24 km/h = approx. 153,000 kWh – Avg Wind Speed of 29 km/h = approx. 215,000 kWh

Again, we can’t give an exact number, but depending on the amount of wind in the area of the turbine, it could generate enough electricity to power 10 to 30 homes.

Wind turbines do not create air or water emissions, produce hazardous waste, deplete natural resources such as coal, oil, or gas, or cause environmental damage through resource extraction and transportation. When running with an annual wind speed of around 24 km/h, it will displace approximately 156 tonnes of greenhouse gasses a year. With rising oil prices and the effects of climate change, the AOC 15/50 has a significant positive impact on the environment.

Noise issues for wind turbines have come a long way in the past few decades. With new technology, we make our turbines more efficient and less noisy at the same time. The AOC 15/50 has blades made of epoxy-fiberglass composite so they are lighter and cut through the air more easily. It also has a constant, low speed blade rotation that doesn’t allow it to spin any faster than 64 rpm. The sound of the AOC 15/50 at 100 feet is approximately 64 dB and 52 dB at 400 feet. Chances are you won’t be able to hear the turbine from inside your house or building.

The AOC 15/50 has proven reliability and durability combined with outstanding performance in remote climates. It has a simple design that requires minimal maintenance and it is flexible for wind-diesel requirements in remote areas and net metering applications. Also, if you are in a remote area, the AOC 15/50 has a tilt up tower that enables installations without the help of a crane.

The AOC 15/50 is ideal for most scenarios, including commercial and industrial developments, farms, community centers and municipalities.

Generally your turbine can be placed into an existing insurance policy that covers other capital assets you may have.

This depends on your location. Different locations have different bylaws for things such as wind turbines. You would have to check the regulations for your area.

There are two basic designs of wind electric turbines: vertical-axis, or “egg-beater” style, and horizontal-axis machines. Horizontal-axis wind turbines are most common. Turbine subsystems include:

• a rotor (or blades) to convert the wind’s energy into rotational shaft energy
• a nacelle containing a drive train, and typically a gearbox and generator
• a tower to support the rotor and drive train
• electronic equipment such as controls, electrical cables, and ground support interconnection

Availability factor (or just “availability”) is a measurement of the reliability of a wind turbine or other power plant. It refers to the percentage of time that a plant is ready to generate (that is, not out of service for maintenance or repairs). Modern wind turbines have an availability of more than 98%–higher than most other types of power plants. After two decades of constant engineering refinement, today’s wind machines are highly reliable.

With the right equipment you can run anything off a wind turbine. Wind turbines produce 3 phase AC power at some voltage and some frequency. The controller converts this to Direct Current (DC) usually in 12, 24, or 48v to charge your batteries. The problem is most of your appliances run on 110v Alternating Current (AC). An inverter will convert DC to AC so you can run your devices.

Noise was an issue with some early wind turbine designs, but it has been largely eliminated as a problem through improved engineering and appropriate use of setbacks from nearby residences. Aerodynamic noise has been reduced by adjusting the thickness of the blades’ trailing edges and by orienting blades upwind of the turbine tower. A small amount of noise is generated by the mechanical components of the turbine. To put this into perspective, a wind turbine 250 meters from a residence is no noisier than a kitchen refrigerator.

Small wind turbines (ranging in size from 250 watts to 50 kW) are often the least expensive source of power for remote sites that are not connected to the utility system. Research has found wind to be cheaper for meeting remote loads than diesel generators, photovoltaic or utility transmission line extensions. (Micro-hydro also was found to be less expensive in many locations.) Hybrid systems–wind/photovoltaic, wind/diesel, and other combinations–can often provide the most efficient and cost-effective option for rural electrification. Photovoltaic (PV)- the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity–is often used to supplement wind power since PV tends to operate best in low wind months. Diesel generators or batteries can be used for backup power and to maintain power production during low wind seasons.