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.
Gaia wind turbine on single phase
- Thread starter Brenin Moelfre
- Start date
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.
Brenin Moelfre
Member
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.
Ross Neilson
New Member
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]
Ross Neilson
New Member
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.
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.
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.
- Location
- South Wales UK
Can this be done legally, as fits , grid connections etc etc all per original installations?
Ross Neilson
New Member
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 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.
- Location
- South Wales UK
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?
Ross Neilson
New Member
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.
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.
You can't adjust an existing connection agreement. You can apply for a new grid connection agreement but this will supersede the existing connection, i.e. you'll lose the FiT.
CWTS Scotland Ltd
New Member
Hi Colin
I have been lead to believe that the Gaia is classed as a recognised repair for the Evoco no questions asked.
Do you know of any instances of a reduced fit?
I also believe that the 1ph generates less than the 3ph and is classed as a 10kw now I am being told?
The SD6 isn't on top of it's game for my requirements as I run totally electric and need to be averaging around 90kw per day in the winter to cover my home use alone, and a total of around 20000/23000kw per year (Just under £3k pyr)
This has to be considered for after the FIT finishes.
Any info on the above GAIA comments would be appreciated....
Regards Gaz
I have been lead to believe that the Gaia is classed as a recognised repair for the Evoco no questions asked.
Do you know of any instances of a reduced fit?
I also believe that the 1ph generates less than the 3ph and is classed as a 10kw now I am being told?
The SD6 isn't on top of it's game for my requirements as I run totally electric and need to be averaging around 90kw per day in the winter to cover my home use alone, and a total of around 20000/23000kw per year (Just under £3k pyr)
This has to be considered for after the FIT finishes.
Any info on the above GAIA comments would be appreciated....
Regards Gaz
CWTS Scotland Ltd
New Member
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.
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 have been quoted from 42k to 48k +vat.
How much is the SD with upgrade?..
CWTS Scotland Ltd
New Member
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.
Ok Thank you for the Details.
I'll look into it further and ask some questions.
Hi everyone,
Just found this forum, interesting reading. I have 2 single phase Gaia's, our site was where the first 2 inverters from DVE ( now Orbital ) were installed as prototypes by Gaiawind after they couldn't get the Gendrive inverters anymore. It took a good few months to iron out the software issues etc to get the DVE inverters to run smooth especially in high gusty wind. My 2 inverters have already been back to Orbital to have the fans and circuit boards sealed to keep the moisture out and also to have a heater installed inside the inverter and a cooling fan installed on the cabinet all controlled by thermostats inside the cabinet. The inverters were going good, running there for about a year with no issues the only stoppages being cable twists. Ha, but 2 weeks ago one stopped running, sent the error codes to my guys who look after the turbines and it was an internal short circuit or open circuit in the inverter so it had to go back to Orbital again, it was sent last week but I haven't heard what the repair cost is, they said could be between 1k - 4k as the original circuit boards etc are not compatible with the current ones they use, so we will see what they come back with. Now tonight, the second one stopped, went up to see what was wrong, opened the cabinet got a 'not good' electrical smell and when trying to reset, the inverter clicks unusually and nothing happens, just throws up the error codes so the codes have been sent to my guys again and waiting for a reply but I am pretty sure with the noise and smell from the inverter it will be following its pal over to Denmark again.
At this point I wish I had never seen these turbines and now we are the point if we spend any more substantial money on them we are getting close to negative equity, and sure I could get 2 new up to date inverters but they really haven't been proven yet either, they are still at the development stage going by the comments above and if I am correct they are about 8k each plus the installment for something that is still being developed!!! Geee Whizz!!!! they have got us by the gonads and they know it. When we first looked at turbines we were wanting to go for 2 x 6KW Proven's but we were persuaded by then 'VG Energy' to go for these single phase Gaia's and we regrettably said yes ( hide sight is a wonderful thing ?? ). Anyway we will see what comes back from Orbital this week to see what the cost is going to be.
I am anxious about buying 2 new inverters because if Orbital go bust or decide to stop making or servicing the inverters that's me at a brick wall as there is no alternative and as we are all very aware of companies in this small wind turbine sector come and go like busses and I can assure you when a new one pops up they promise you the world then leave you hanging like the ones previous.
I would like to swap the Gaia's ( just because of the inverters ) for 2 x 6KW Provens but saying that, for what that would cost I could just about get 3 phase installed at the farm and run the Gaia's as 3 phase, but either of those options would put the whole project into negative equity so I might be advertising 2 Gaia turbines for sale as parts haha!!! Running to stand still sure enough ggggrrrrrr!!!!
Just found this forum, interesting reading. I have 2 single phase Gaia's, our site was where the first 2 inverters from DVE ( now Orbital ) were installed as prototypes by Gaiawind after they couldn't get the Gendrive inverters anymore. It took a good few months to iron out the software issues etc to get the DVE inverters to run smooth especially in high gusty wind. My 2 inverters have already been back to Orbital to have the fans and circuit boards sealed to keep the moisture out and also to have a heater installed inside the inverter and a cooling fan installed on the cabinet all controlled by thermostats inside the cabinet. The inverters were going good, running there for about a year with no issues the only stoppages being cable twists. Ha, but 2 weeks ago one stopped running, sent the error codes to my guys who look after the turbines and it was an internal short circuit or open circuit in the inverter so it had to go back to Orbital again, it was sent last week but I haven't heard what the repair cost is, they said could be between 1k - 4k as the original circuit boards etc are not compatible with the current ones they use, so we will see what they come back with. Now tonight, the second one stopped, went up to see what was wrong, opened the cabinet got a 'not good' electrical smell and when trying to reset, the inverter clicks unusually and nothing happens, just throws up the error codes so the codes have been sent to my guys again and waiting for a reply but I am pretty sure with the noise and smell from the inverter it will be following its pal over to Denmark again.
At this point I wish I had never seen these turbines and now we are the point if we spend any more substantial money on them we are getting close to negative equity, and sure I could get 2 new up to date inverters but they really haven't been proven yet either, they are still at the development stage going by the comments above and if I am correct they are about 8k each plus the installment for something that is still being developed!!! Geee Whizz!!!! they have got us by the gonads and they know it. When we first looked at turbines we were wanting to go for 2 x 6KW Proven's but we were persuaded by then 'VG Energy' to go for these single phase Gaia's and we regrettably said yes ( hide sight is a wonderful thing ?? ). Anyway we will see what comes back from Orbital this week to see what the cost is going to be.
I am anxious about buying 2 new inverters because if Orbital go bust or decide to stop making or servicing the inverters that's me at a brick wall as there is no alternative and as we are all very aware of companies in this small wind turbine sector come and go like busses and I can assure you when a new one pops up they promise you the world then leave you hanging like the ones previous.
I would like to swap the Gaia's ( just because of the inverters ) for 2 x 6KW Provens but saying that, for what that would cost I could just about get 3 phase installed at the farm and run the Gaia's as 3 phase, but either of those options would put the whole project into negative equity so I might be advertising 2 Gaia turbines for sale as parts haha!!! Running to stand still sure enough ggggrrrrrr!!!!
- Tags
- performance software storm warranty