Wind generator for a private house: device, types, overview of the best offers

Wind turbine installation options

It will not be possible to obtain a constant energy production over time. This is due to the fact that the conditions of nature are constantly changing. Consider in advance where to use the excess electricity that will occur during strong winds.For example, you can provide water heating in a boiler or electric heater for the home. This feature should turn on automatically in strong winds and light loads.

For a climate with a long winter, models of a vertical rotor arrangement are more suitable. You can install such a device on the ground or on a low mast. In addition, it can be directly connected to the electrical network with a heater and a boiler. In this case, you can try to do without an inverter and batteries. Most often, such a connection scheme can be implemented with your own hands without the involvement of third-party organizations. Such a wind generator can serve to provide heat.

You should also solve some problems that are associated with the operation of the windmill:

First, the presence of noise. This is unlikely to please your neighbors, in addition, infrasound can be uncomfortable to hear. To eliminate this feature, install the device as far as possible from residential buildings;
secondly, the mandatory presence of grounding and lightning protection, as well as a signal system for aviation at the highest point of the structure

Please note that vibration will be generated during operation. This means that the mast must not come into contact with other objects;
thirdly, the generator itself and other parts of the system

Batteries and inverters require regular maintenance and systematic replacement. The mast also needs to be painted, inspected and looked after in a timely manner;
fourthly, there is a possibility of damage during icing or a strong hurricane.

Regular care of the wind turbine will ensure the long service life of this assistant.

What blade shape is optimal

One of the main elements of a wind turbine is a set of blades. There are a number of factors associated with these details that affect the efficiency of a windmill:

• the weight;
• the size;
• the form;
• material;
• amount.

If you decide to design blades for a homemade windmill, be sure to consider all these parameters. Some believe that the more wings on the generator propeller, the more wind power can be obtained. In other words, the more the better.

However, this is not the case. Each individual part moves against air resistance. Thus, a large number of blades on a propeller requires more wind force to complete one revolution. In addition, too many wide wings can cause the formation of the so-called "air cap" in front of the propeller, when the air flow does not pass through the windmill, but goes around it.

Form matters a lot. It depends on the speed of the screw. Poor flow causes vortices that slow down the wind wheel

The most efficient is a single-blade wind turbine. But building and balancing it with your own hands is very difficult. The design is unreliable, albeit with a high efficiency. According to the experience of many users and manufacturers of windmills, the most optimal model is a three-bladed one.

The weight of the blade depends on its size and the material from which it will be made. The size must be selected carefully, guided by the formulas for calculations. The edges are best processed so that there is a rounding on one side, and the opposite side is sharp

Properly selected blade shape for a wind turbine is the foundation of its good work.For home-made, the following options are suitable:

• sail type;
• wing type.

Sailing-type blades are simple wide strips, like on a windmill. This model is the most obvious and easy to manufacture. However, its efficiency is so low that this form is practically not used in modern wind turbines. The efficiency in this case is about 10-12%.

A much more efficient form is vane profile blades. The principles of aerodynamics are involved here, which lift huge planes into the air. A screw of this shape is easier to set in motion and rotates faster. The flow of air significantly reduces the resistance that the windmill encounters on its way.

The correct profile should resemble an airplane wing. On the one hand, the blade has a thickening, and on the other - a gentle descent. Air masses flow around a part of this shape very smoothly

The efficiency of this model reaches 30-35%. The good news is that you can build a winged blade with your own hands using a minimum of tools. All basic calculations and drawings can be easily adapted to your windmill and you can enjoy free and clean wind energy without restrictions.

Operating principle

Horizontal windmill model

Under the influence of wind force, the blades of the device begin to rotate, which drive the rotor. Thanks to the stator winding, the resulting mechanical energy is converted into electrical current. Under the action of the rotational force, the resulting electricity is stored in the battery.

The amount of energy received directly depends on the strength of the wind - the stronger it blows, the more electricity will be stored in the battery.

During turns, the axis also rotates, which is connected to the main rotor. 12 magnets are fixed on it, which rotate in the stator. This creates an alternating electric current of the same frequency as that flowing in the sockets.

The resulting alternating current can be transmitted over long distances, but it cannot be stored. Therefore, it must be converted to direct current. The process is carried out by an internal electronic circuit in the turbine.

Blade rotation braking system

To ensure that the unit does not fail with strong air pressure, it is equipped with a special braking system. If moving magnets used to induce current in the windings, now this force is used to stop the rotating magnets. To do this, a short circuit is created, in which the movement of the rotor slows down. The resulting counteraction slows down the rotation of the magnets.

The design of the wind turbine and components

When the wind is over 50 km/h, the brakes automatically slow down the rotation of the rotor. If the air speed reaches 80 km / h, the brake system completely stops the blades. All parts of the turbine are designed to maximize the use of air energy. When the wind blows, the blades rotate and the generator converts their movement into electricity. Performing a double conversion of energy, the turbine produces electricity from the usual movement of air masses.

Externally, the wind generator resembles a weather vane - it is directed in the direction from which the wind blows

This device is very useful not only in some extreme conditions, but also in ordinary everyday life.Quite often, wind turbine systems are used in summer cottages or in those settlements where there are regular power outages. A self-made autonomous source of electricity has the following advantages:

• installation is environmentally friendly;
• there is no need for refueling;
• no waste is accumulated;
• the device works very quietly;
• has a long service life.

All wind generators operate in the same way. First, the alternating voltage received from the wind pressure is converted into direct current. This charges the battery. The inverter then produces alternating current again. This is necessary in order for the bulbs to glow; the refrigerator, TV, etc. worked. Thanks to the rechargeable battery, you can use electrical appliances in calm weather. In addition, during strong gusts of wind, the voltage in the network remains stable.

Wind turbine size selection

You need to select the size of this installation based on the desired amount of electricity and wind speed, as well as its density, in your area. It is immediately necessary to clarify that the power calculation will be made for a factory-made wind generator that is not made by hand from improvised parts.

The amount of electricity you need, you can knock on the bills for the last year or take an arbitrary (desired) amount.

Wind speed and density can be found on the web, for example on the website of the weather service. I will not indicate any figures in this article, since there are many regions and the climate has been changing very quickly in recent years.

There are several formulas

one.The most simple and understandable to the average person, however, the data obtained may have a certain error. It can be used to calculate a kinetic wind generator with a horizontal shaft:

AEO = 1.64 * D*D * V*V*V

Where:

• AEO is the electricity you want to receive in a year.
• D is the diameter of the rotor, which is indicated in meters.
• V is the average annual wind speed, indicated in m/s.

2. A more complex formula that is used for their calculations by companies involved in the sale and installation of such equipment at a professional level.

P = V3 * ρ * S

Where:

• V is the wind speed in meters per second.
• ρ – air density, unit of measurement – ​​kg/m3
• S is the area of ​​the blades on which the air flow blows, the unit of measurement is m2 (should be viewed according to the manufacturer's technical description).
• P - The number of kW that can be obtained.

Calculation example P = 53 * 1.25 * 33 = 5156 W

The efficiency of power generation directly depends on the diameter of the rotor blades, you can see the approximate performance in the table below.

This table shows the approximate data that can be obtained depending on the diameter of the rotor, the installation height of the wind turbine and the wind speed.

Maximum generated power, kW	Rotor diameter, m	Mast height, m	Wind speed m/s
0,55	2,5	6	8
2,6	3,2	9	9
6,5	6,4	12	10
11,2	8	12	10
22	10	18	12

3. In cases with a vertical rotor (axis), calculations must be made using a different formula.

P=0.6*S*V^3

Where:

• P– power Watts
• S- working area of ​​the blades sq.m.
• V^3– Wind speed cubed m/s

A more complex but more accurate formula

P*= krV 3S/2, .

Where:

• r - air density,
• V is the flow velocity in m/s.
• S - flow area in square meters
• k — coefficient of efficiency of the wind turbine turbine in the value 0,2-0,5

When choosing a windmill, you need to look at the wind speed recommended by the manufacturer. As a rule, installations for private use have such a range: 2-11 Mps.

Which wind turbines are the most efficient

Horizontal

vertical

This type of equipment has gained the greatest popularity, in which the axis of rotation of the turbine is parallel to the ground. Such wind generators are often called windmills, in which the blades turn against the wind flow. The design of the equipment includes a system for automatic scrolling of the head. It is required to find the wind flow. A device is also needed to turn the blades in order to use even a small force to generate electricity. The use of such equipment is more appropriate in industrial enterprises than in everyday life. In practice, they are more often used to create wind farm systems.

Devices of this type are less effective in practice. The rotation of the turbine blades is carried out parallel to the earth's surface, regardless of the strength of the wind and its vector. The direction of the flow also does not play a role, with any impact, the rotational elements scroll against it. As a result, the wind generator loses part of its power, which leads to a decrease in the energy efficiency of the equipment as a whole. But in terms of installation and maintenance, units in which the blades are arranged vertically are more suitable for home use. This is due to the fact that the gearbox assembly and the generator are mounted on the ground. The disadvantages of such equipment include expensive installation and serious operating costs.Enough space is required to mount the generator. Therefore, the use of vertical devices is more appropriate in small private farms.

Two-bladed	Three-bladed	multi-bladed
This type of units is characterized by the presence of two elements of rotation. This option is practically inefficient today, but is quite common due to its reliability.	This type of equipment is the most common. Three-bladed units are used not only in agriculture and industry, but also in private households. This type of equipment has gained popularity due to its reliability and efficiency.	The latter can have 50 or more elements of rotation. To ensure the generation of the required amount of electricity, it is not necessary to scroll the blades themselves, but to bring them to the required number of revolutions. The presence of each additional element of rotation provides an increase in the parameter of the total resistance of the wind wheel. As a result, the output of the equipment at the required number of revolutions will be problematic. Carousel devices equipped with a plurality of blades begin to rotate with a small wind force. But their use is more relevant if the very fact of scrolling plays a role, for example, when pumping water is required. In order to effectively ensure the generation of a large amount of energy, multi-bladed units are not used. For their operation, the installation of a gear device is required. This not only complicates the entire design of the equipment as a whole, but also makes it less reliable compared to two- and three-bladed ones.

With hard blades

Sailing units

The cost of such units is higher due to the high cost of production of rotation parts.But compared to sailing equipment, generators with rigid blades are more reliable and have a long service life. Since the air contains dust and sand, the rotating elements are subjected to a high load. When the equipment is operating in stable conditions, it requires an annual replacement of the anti-corrosion film that is applied to the ends of the blades. Without this, the rotation element begins to lose its working properties over time.

This type of blades is simpler in terms of production and less expensive than metal or fiberglass. But savings in manufacturing can lead to serious costs in the future. With a wind wheel diameter of three meters, the speed of the tip of the blade can be up to 500 km / h, when the equipment revolutions are about 600 per minute. This is a serious load even for rigid parts. Practice shows that the elements of rotation on sailing equipment have to be changed often, especially if the wind force is high.

In accordance with the type of rotary mechanism, all units can be divided into several types:

• orthogonal Darier devices;
• units with a Savonius rotary assembly;
• devices with a vertical-axial design of the unit;
• equipment with a helicoid type of rotary mechanism.

Pros and cons of technology

The wind generator is noisy during operation, so the distance to the residential building should be at least 30 m. In addition, it is necessary that trees and buildings do not prevent the wind flow from entering the windmill blades.

The advantages of installing the device include the following:

• After installing the equipment, you do not need to buy fuel. Expenses will only be for maintenance and preventive maintenance.
• It will be provided with sufficient wind load in most climatic regions, especially in remote northern regions with constantly blowing winds.
• The windmill works automatically and does not need constant inspection. And the room with control equipment and batteries is located in a convenient place for maintenance.

Cons of wind generators:

• If the mast is installed incorrectly, the device generates infrasound that is harmful to health.
• Be sure to install grounding to protect against lightning during a thunderstorm.
• Icing of the blades in damp frosty weather, and damage in strong gusts of wind.
• If the generator fails, to repair it, it is necessary to tilt the mast, or climb up.

The foundation of the mast must ensure its stability in case of strong gusts of wind. The protective brake of the generator does not allow to develop a high speed of rotation of the blades during gusts of wind.

Industrial wind turbines: a role model

It is no secret that alternative energy really allows you to get electricity literally from the wind. In Europe, industrial wind turbines occupy vast areas and operate autonomously for the benefit of man.

They are huge, located in areas open to all winds, towering over trees and local objects.

And the windmills are installed at a distance from each other. Therefore, accidental breakdowns and damage to one cannot harm neighboring structures.

We will take these principles for creating wind generators as the basis for the development of home-made devices. They are created according to scientific developments, have already been tested for a long time, and they work effectively.

Let's start with an analysis of the characteristics of the area where we plan to create a wind farm.

This is interesting: Connecting wires in a junction box for electrical wiring - we cover in general terms

Wind generator for the home is no longer a rarity

Wind power plants have long been used on an industrial scale. But, the complexity of the design, as well as the complexity of its installation, did not make it possible to use this equipment in private homes, such as solar panels.

However, now, with the development of technology and the increase in demand for "green energy", the situation has changed. Manufacturers have launched the production of small-sized installations for the private sector.

Principle of operation

The wind rotates the rotor blades mounted on the generator shaft. As a result of rotation in the windings, an alternating current is generated. To increase the number of revolutions, and, accordingly, the amount of generated energy, a reduction gear (transmission) can be used. It can also block the rotation of the blades completely, if the need arises.

The resulting alternating current is converted to direct 220 W using an inverter. Then it goes to the consumer or, through the charge controller, to the batteries for accumulation.

A complete diagram of the operation of the installation from energy generation to its consumption.

Types of wind turbines and which one is better for a private house

At the moment there are two types of this design:

1. With horizontal rotor.
2. With vertical rotor.

The first type with horizontal rotor. This mechanism is considered the most effective. The efficiency is about 50%. The disadvantage is the need for a minimum wind speed of 3 m per second, the design creates a lot of noise.

For maximum efficiency, a high mast is required, which, in turn, complicates installation and further maintenance.

The second type with vertical. A wind generator with a vertical rotor has an efficiency of no more than 20%, while a wind speed of only 1-2 m per second is sufficient. At the same time, it works much quieter, the level of emitted noise is not more than 30 dB, and without vibration. Does not require a large space to work, while not losing efficiency.

Installation does not require a tall mast. Equipment can be mounted on the roof of the house even with your own hands.

The absence of an anemometer and a rotary mechanism, which is not needed at all with this design, makes this type of wind generator cheaper compared to the first option.

Video review

Which setting to choose?

Before answering this question, you need to understand your requirement, financial capabilities and operational priorities.

If you want to get the most power and are willing to spend money on periodic generator maintenance, choose the first option. By investing in a high mast once, and paying for bearings or oil replacement once every 5-10 years, you will get complete energy independence, and even if you live in Ukraine or EU countries, you will be able to sell excess electricity.

The high noise level of this station requires choosing a place as far as possible from residential buildings. This point also needs to be taken into account, because infrasound will not go unnoticed by your neighbors.

To obtain an equivalent output in relation to the first option, it will be necessary to supply 3 wind turbines of this type. However, in terms of price, approximately the same amount is obtained (subject to self-assembly).

Video review of an expert in the field of alternative energy sources

Wind generator power calculation

To determine the required power of the wind turbine, you need to make a list of all the consumers of electricity in the house, from light bulbs to refrigerators and air conditioners. Summing up their parameters, they get the full power of energy consumers in the house. But the real energy costs, even during peak periods, will be less, because no one turns on all the devices at the same time.

Finally, you need to approximately determine the operating time of certain devices in order to calculate the monthly resource at home. So, to meet the needs of one cottage, as a rule, a wind turbine with a capacity of 5-6 kW is required, while for a small cottage village, an installation with a capacity of 10-25 kW is sufficient.

In addition, there is a subclass of devices called microwind generators. Their power is less than 1kw, and they are suitable for powering agricultural farms, powering autonomous water supply systems, etc.

With a lack of power, the wind generator works perfectly together with solar modules. Such systems are called hybrid wind-solar systems. It is possible to supplement the wind generator with a diesel generator. Such complex installations are reliable due to a number of factors:

Making and installing a windmill with your own hands

Turbine manufacturing example

Manufacture of a vertical wind turbine rotor

You can not use batteries for energy storage, but if they are available, the operation will be stable. An obligatory part is an inverter that converts energy into the required voltage of 220V. It is necessary to make a small weather vane with a rotary mechanism. The propeller is attached to the mast, because at a height there are more opportunities to find air currents.The support must be reliable and withstand the load from the wind.

How to connect stator coils

Scheme of a multi-bladed rotor

It is necessary to find and purchase a neodymium generator that will allow you to remove wind energy. The screw can be both sailing and rotary. To assemble everything and install it on a support, you need to make a concrete base that will hold it securely. Using stretch marks, you need to fix the mast in a vertical position.

One of the options for preparing a carcass from tires for pouring concrete

In order for the unit to serve you for a long time, you need to carry out maintenance and replace worn parts in a timely manner.

Wind generator with a three-bladed horizontal rotor

Overview of popular models

Before considering popular models of wind turbines, it is necessary to understand their parameters and selection criteria for the described products. The main selection criteria are:

• maximum power of the product;
• volume of produced energy for 1 month;
• the minimum air speed at which the generator can operate;
• terms of Use;
• the presence of devices that protect the installation from overloads;
• lifetime;
• product price.

Today, wind generators are produced by many countries, including Russia. They are produced by several organizations:

• LLC "SKB Iskra";
• ZAO Wind Energy Company;
• LMV "Wind Energy";
• CJSC "Agregat-privod".

Russian-made units are not as well known and in demand in other countries as rotary models of German, Danish, Chinese and Belgian production.The world's leading wind turbine companies are spending huge amounts of money on developing new types of blades, generators, and precise gear ratio calculations. The products of these companies have a large selection of capacities from 1-10 kW and additional equipment that can be purchased separately (sets with a hub, inverter, batteries). In addition to power, there are differences in price and components. Russian companies produce wind generators with various types of rotors and maximum power devices. The following new generation models are considered the best-selling products.

VUE-1.5. This is a compact unit that can be transported by any vehicle. In installation and operation, it is simple and straightforward. This little generator is virtually silent. It has a rated power of 1.5 kW. Output voltage 48 V. Wind speed for normal operation should be in the range of 2.5-25 m/s.

Creating blades in stages

When designing the knives themselves, consider the following:

1. 1. First you must decide on the shape of the blade. For a domestic horizontal type wind turbine, the shape of the blade is better. Due to its structure, it has a lower aerodynamic drag. This effect is caused by the difference in outer and inner surface area of ​​the element, so there is a difference in air pressure on the sides. The sail shape has more drag and is therefore less efficient.

Next, we need to determine the number of blades. For terrain with constant wind, high-speed wind turbines can be used.For maximum engine start of such devices, 2-3 blades are enough. If such a device is used in a calm area, then it is ineffective and simply stands still in calm weather. Another disadvantage of three-winged wind turbines is the high noise level, reminiscent of a helicopter. This installation is not recommended near densely populated houses.

Interestingly, with the right calculations, a wind turbine with one, two or three blades can successfully generate electricity. And with a single blade the device works at any wind speed, no matter how small!

Calculation of the output power of wind turbines. The exact value cannot be calculated, since the power directly depends on the weather and wind movement. However, there is a direct relationship between the diameter of the wind turbine, the number of blades and the power of the equipment.

By understanding the table data and the relationship between them, you can influence the performance of the future design by creating the correct helical gear.

Choice of blade material. The choice of materials for the production of blades is quite wide: PVC fiberglass, aluminum, etc. However, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look at the choice of materials.

PVC blades - Pipes.

By choosing the right size and thickness of the pipes, the resulting wheel is highly durable and efficient.

Please note that in strong gusts of wind, plastic with insufficient thickness may not withstand the load and fall apart into small pieces.

To protect the structure, it is better to reduce the length of the leaves and increase the number of leaves to 6. Only one tube is enough to obtain this amount of detail.

To avoid errors in independent calculations, it is better to use a ready-made template that is easy to find on the Internet. Because it is impossible to do without special knowledge in this area.

After cutting the pipe, the resulting elements must be sanded and rounded at the edges. To connect the blades, a home-made steel knot of sufficient thickness and strength is made.

aluminum blades

This blade is stronger and heavier, which means that the whole structure of the threaded connection must be stronger and more stable.

The subsequent balancing of the wheel should also be treated with more care.

In accordance with this template, 6 identical elements are cut out of an aluminum sheet, on the inside of which threaded bushings must be welded for further fastening.

Weld the bolts to the connector that attaches to the sleeves prepared on the knives.

To improve the aerodynamic properties of such a blade, it must be properly shaped. To do this, it must be rolled into a flat chute so that an angle of 10 degrees is formed between the axis of the worm and the longitudinal axis of the workpiece.

fiberglass blades

The advantage of this material is the optimal ratio of weight and strength in combination with aerodynamic properties. But working with fiberglass requires special skills and high professionalism, so making such a product at home is very difficult.

It can be concluded that the most suitable material for self-assembly of a wind turbine is the material. PVC - Pipe. It combines strength, lightness and good aerodynamic properties. And it is a very accessible material, and even a beginner will be able to get the job done.

In this video you will learn how to make wind turbine blades with your own hands:

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The scarecrow is a familiar part of the landscape. Its main purpose is to protect it from insatiable birds. But the figure, often built carelessly from improvised materials, not only scares away birds, but also spoils the appearance of the surrounding area. Inspired by the gardeners' ideas and the photos in this article, you can make your own scarecrow that not only repels birds, but is also aesthetically pleasing.

The cost of wind turbines

The prices for wind generators are quite high. These are bulky structures that are made from expensive material. Complete with batteries, controller, inverter and mast.

The kit may consist of: 1 - the wind turbine itself, 2 - Mast, 3 - Foundation, 4 - Battery pack, 5 - Inverter, 6 - Controller, as well as wires, connectors, rack, diesel generator and other consumables required for installation

Technical characteristics of wind turbines also affect the cost.

1. The simplest is a generator with low power up to 300 watts. Produces energy with a wind force of 10-12 m / s. A set of the simplest windmill with only a controller costs from 15,000 rubles. In a configuration with an inverter, a battery and a mast, the price reaches 50,000 rubles.
2. Generators with a declared power of 1 kW. With a weak wind, on average, energy is produced from 30-100 kW per month. For a large house with high electricity consumption, it is recommended to use diesel and gasoline units in addition. They will also charge batteries on days of complete windlessness. Such a wind generator costs from 150,000 rubles.It comes up to 300-400 thousand rubles with a more complete set.
3. Electrical consumption in a large house with a backyard farm will require a 3-5 kW windmill. Enough batteries, more powerful inverter, controller, high mast. One set costs from 300,000 rubles to a million.

If the house was also heated by wind, then the installation must be chosen with a capacity of 10 kW. And take care of additional sources, such as solar panels. You may also need a gas generator. It all depends on how much energy you have to keep in reserve in case of windless and cloudy days.

Wind generator - what is it? Household appliances as needed. This diagram is very simplified. In reality, sometimes devices are required that convert electric current.

After the generator, the controller is placed in this circuit. It converts alternating current to direct current, which charges the batteries. Almost all equipment does not operate on direct current, so after the battery you will need another device - an inverter. This device performs the operation in the reverse order, that is, it converts direct current into alternating current with a voltage of 220V. During such manipulations, certain losses of the received electrical energy occur, which is approximately 15-20%. This is a big part.

In the case when several devices are used to generate electricity (a windmill plus solar panels or a fuel generator), it will be necessary to supplement the circuit with a switch (ATS). It will be required so that when one of the devices is turned off, the other one is turned on - the backup one.

Horizontal wind turbines (vane type)

Different modifications of horizontal installations have from one to three blades or more. Therefore, the efficiency is much higher than that of vertical ones.

The disadvantages of wind turbines are the need to orient them to the direction of the wind. Constant movement reduces the speed of rotation, which reduces its productivity.

1. Single blade and double blade. Differ in high motive turns. The weight and dimensions of the installation are small, which facilitates installation.
2. Three-bladed. They are in demand in the market. They can generate energy up to 7 mW.
3. Multi-blade installations have up to 50 blades. They have great inertia. The advantages of torque are used in the operation of water pumps.

Wind turbines with designs different from classical ones appear on the modern market, for example, there are hybrid ones.

1. Wind generator, arranged like a sailboat

The disc-shaped design under the pressure of air drives the pistons, which activate the hydraulic system. As a result, physical energy is transformed into electrical energy.

During operation, the unit does not make noise. High power ratings. Easily manageable.

2. Flying wind generator-wing

Used without mast, generator, rotor and blades. In comparison with classical structures that operate at low altitude with variable wind strength, and the construction of high masts is laborious and expensive, the “wing” does not have such problems.

It is launched to a height of 550 meters. Electricity generation is 1 MW per year. The wing is manufactured by Makani Power.