Wind Turbine Success Story For Northern Ireland

Westwind wind turbines integrate technology seen in larger turbines into their range of small to medium generators. The turbines are installed, commissioned and serviced by Green Energy Technology Ltd. in a partnership with Westwind throughout the UK and Ireland. This partnership between Westwind and Green Energy Technology Ltd represents a great success story for the province, as the turbines are designed and manufactured in the Country Antrim town of Crumlin. Local jobs have been created and secured, and the turbines are now being exported worldwide. Built to a high standard and finish which is not always found in the small turbine market, Westwind turbines all have three blades, up-wind of the tower, with a horizontal axis attached directly to a sealed permanent magnet generator. This means that the turbine has no gearbox or brakes, which translates into fewer moving parts being subjected to wear and tear – and importantly, less friction to reduce the efficiency of the blades. In contrast to turbines using gearboxes, these turbines start up earlier in light winds, more power is produced and less maintenance is required. Westwind wind turbines are designed for rough winds, and have passed rigorous government testing during 2011, in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland – Europe’s windiest area. The wind turbines come in 3kW, 5kW, 10kW, and 20kW output size, and in a range of tower heights. Westwind are also developing a 50kW model for larger applications. Green Energy Technology Ltd has recently installed a 20kW Westwind in County Antrim. This turbine replaced one imported from the Far East which failed, both structurally and electronically. The owner is now delighted with his reliable and easy-tomaintain Westwind, but this story is just one of many – expensive – examples of cheap imports not working in British and Irish conditions. A 10 year warranty is available on all Westwind wind turbines if installed and maintained by Green Energy Technology Ltd. The company also install turbines up to 255kW. Further information can be found at www.get-renewables.com