Brenin Moelfre
Member
Anyone out there that’s got a Gaia wind turbine installed on single phase? Any good? Any losses due to inverter? Inverter problems? Any info much appreciated.
Yes we have two in single phase, major hassle with inverters, managed to scrape 3 or 4 years from the first set. We had to pay for new inverter our selves even though under warranty. Cost around 16k. these are far better, but still I think the software is not 100 percent as they put their tips out often. Major pain. They also were wearing brakes like mad. The turbine itself is very good, the inverters are better than the first lot, but we've had major hassle trying too resolve the issue, think they have differ t management there now.
Hi Brenin, sorry to hijack this thread but I am responsible for Ryse UK sales - our company took over Gaia last year. Happy to send you across some inverter data and head swap costs if you like? Feel free to PM me or email [email protected]Thanks for that. I’ve got an Evoco that’s shot, thinking of a head swap for a Gaia. How long have the new inverters been in and do you know the make and model of them?
I’m in a windy site,around 6.5 ms . Bit concerned that the inverters are sited near the turbine as we get a lot of rain and hill fog which can play havoc on electrics.
Hi I am interested in this topic as I too am thinking of swapping an Evoco head for a single phase Gaia.The G11 (Gaia turbine) now uses a Danish inverter. This specific unit was chosen as it has excess capacity to be able to handle the Gaia product. We have very few problems as long as the cabling and connections are sound.
The main concern is the potential volt drop at maximum power when attempting to utilise an existing cabling arrangement (as in the case of a head swap scenario) but there are options to deal with this.
Depending on cable length and route, the cable could be replaced but this is often expensive and disruptive.Hi I am interested in this topic as I too am thinking of swapping an Evoco head for a single phase Gaia.
As you say the cabling is undersize for the Gaia.
I am worried when you say there are options to deal with this?
Does the options include reducing the output of the generator and thus lowering the overall annual kw?
If possible could you please emphasize what the options are exactly in technical terms...
(much appreciated)
If convinced it's a good move I may then be in touch with you to talk further.
The original installation remains unchanged in terms of grid connection, connection approval, foundations, tower, etc. Changing the nacelle is a repair measure.Can this be done legally, as fits , grid connections etc etc all per original installations?
Depending on cable length and route, the cable could be replaced but this is often expensive and disruptive.
The common option is a step-up/step-down transformer arrangement in the head swap installation.
The third option is to arrange a tap down of the supply voltage with the DNO in order to provide more head room to cope with the volt drop.
I'd be happy to run some calculations to give you an idea of the annual kWh you could expect from a headswap, if you could email some site details to [email protected]
The original installation remains unchanged in terms of grid connection, connection approval, foundations, tower, etc. Changing the nacelle is a repair measure.
Hi RossDepending on cable length and route, the cable could be replaced but this is often expensive and disruptive.
The common option is a step-up/step-down transformer arrangement in the head swap installation.
The third option is to arrange a tap down of the supply voltage with the DNO in order to provide more head room to cope with the volt drop.
I'd be happy to run some calculations to give you an idea of the annual kWh you could expect from a headswap, if you could email some site details to [email protected]
The original installation remains unchanged in terms of grid connection, connection approval, foundations, tower, etc. Changing the nacelle is a repair measure.
The tower and make model are all compatible with the foundations spec. Surly?Depending on cable length and route, the cable could be replaced but this is often expensive and disruptive.
The common option is a step-up/step-down transformer arrangement in the head swap installation.
The third option is to arrange a tap down of the supply voltage with the DNO in order to provide more head room to cope with the volt drop.
I'd be happy to run some calculations to give you an idea of the annual kWh you could expect from a headswap, if you could email some site details to [email protected]
The original installation remains unchanged in terms of grid connection, connection approval, foundations, tower, etc. Changing the nacelle is a repair measure.
Obviously the more components that are introduced mean there will be some efficiency losses but it doesn't 'choke' the output. Technically the power doesn't change because the voltage and current adjustments are proportionate.Hi Ross
So in a nut shell does either of your options choke the kw output?
I don't see the cable swap being an option.
I am on a 6.5 M/s site.
Correct. You can't just stick a different head on any tower. We can only headswap the G11 (Gaia) unit onto towers that we have tested and engineered solutions for. This includes a modification to the tower to address the change in harmonic resonance and to ensure the height doesn't change once the adapter plate has been fitted.The tower and make model are all compatible with the foundations spec. Surly?
If a bigger head or spec or higher tower then won't there be major issues?
Also once you been operational for years is it easier to upgrade your connection or are you tied and new application connection done?
Obviously the more components that are introduced mean there will be some efficiency losses but it doesn't 'choke' the output. Technically the power doesn't change because the voltage and current adjustments are proportionate.
Thanks Ross.
That gives me food for thought then.
With around 10yrs of fit left, does it warrant the outlay for a new head.
You have given me most of the answers I was looking for.
The only thing I can't find is a power curve chart for the single phase version, I assume one has been done as it is surely different to the 3ph model?.
It would be much appreciated if you can send me a link to one?.
Thank you..
Hi
Why the Gaia turbine?
Have you thought about the SD turbine? Originally proven/kingspan.
With a head swap your net capacity cannot be greater than your original capacity to be able to claim the tariff at your current rate.
The Gaia Net capacity is greater than the Evoco.
Which if I have been informed correctly will mean your tariff will be reduced by 10%.
The SD turbine can be fitted to the Evoco tower with an adapter plate and can continue to use the Evoco inverters. Keeping the cost down.
If you wish to discuss further please feel free to give me a call or drop me an email.
Colin 07921147495
[email protected]
I spoke to a Evoco customer in wales and he had been told that his tariff would be reduced by 10% If he changed to the Gaia. So he went with the SD turbine.
I am not sure if it was single phase or 3 phase site.
Have you had a price for the Gaia?
SD have an upgrade that can be added to the 6kw and it will peak at 9.2KW.
Ok I'll look into this a bit more about the 10%.I spoke to a Evoco customer in wales and he had been told that his tariff would be reduced by 10% If he changed to the Gaia. So he went with the SD turbine.
I am not sure if it was single phase or 3 phase site.
Have you had a price for the Gaia?
SD have an upgrade that can be added to the 6kw and it will peak at 9.2KW.
HiOk I'll look into this a bit more about the 10%.
I have been quoted from 42k to 48k +vat.
How much is the SD with upgrade?..
Ok Thank you for the Details.Hi
The SD turbine with the upgrade, adapter and controller is between 20-22k +vat depending on location. Can work with the evoco inverters and comes with 5 years warranty.