Pacific Wind Energy is joining forces with Gladstone Primary an eco-friendly school in Mt Albert to run a kite-flying competition to demonstrate how easy it is to harness the power of the wind.

“Our aim is to develop and promote this relatively new technology in New Zealand, starting at a grass roots level,” said Jean Markarian, Director of Pacific Wind Energy.

“We selected Gladstone School to partner with for Global Wind Day because of their environmental profile and stimulating learning environment.”

Last June, over 90,000 members of the public joined in with activities taking place across 20 EU countries, from painting competitions for children to energy workshops, organized during the 2008 European Wind Day. 185 wind farms opened their doors for family and information days.

For more information on Global Wind Day visit: www.globalwindday.org

The theme “Renewables in the Built Environment” will attract lots of players from the renewable energy sector including designers, manufacturers, installers of solar photovoltaic, hydro and of course wind technology. Other industry partners will be attending the conference such as electricity generators and retailers, line companies, local bodies and architects.

This event is a great opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of “Renewables in the Built Environment” and stay abreast of the latest developments in solar PV, wind turbine and mini hydro electricity generation technologies, policy, regulations, business opportunities and what’s happening in New Zealand.

Learn more about the SEANZ08 Conference: www.seanz.org.nz/seanz08

Because there are several small wind turbine manufacturers that claim their products are the best, the Province of Zeeland, the utility Delta and the wind cooperation Zeeuwind have combined forces in the village of Schoondijke to organize a two year long test and have invited small wind turbine manufacturers to demonstrate their products.

Turbines are tested for energy output and noise levels. Fortis has placed two of its turbines: the Passaat and the Montana.

The results are published weekly. Below are two graphics built with the first seven months data.

Lern more about the Province of Zeeland: http://provincie.zeeland.nl/milieu_natuur/windenergie/kleine_windturbines/index (in Dutch)

FRANCE EOLIENNES is the leader in small wind turbine installations in France and ENERGIE DISCOUNT is a supplier of wind turbines. Their products are imported from China.

During our training, we had the opportunity to discuss potential installation issues. Also, we saw the differences in quality and engineering between their wind turbines and FORTIS ones which settled our choice to become a FORTIS installer.

However, we would still like to take the opportunity to thank FRANCE EOLIENNE & ENERGIE DISCOUNT for all the advice and support they show us despite the fact we have decided not to collaborate further.

Learn more about FRANCE EOLIENNES (in French).

Because there have been too many mistakes in the past and in order to avoid installation problems, FORTIS is moving towards a system in which only FORTIS trained installers are allowed to install their turbines otherwise they will not warrant the products.

During the course, we erected within a day a Montana wind turbine on a 12meter guyed wire mast. To complete our visit, we met with Balthasar Klimbie who is the sales manager of FORTIS.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank once again Balthasar and Johan for taking the time to meet with us and for giving us his support since the launch of Pacific Wind Energy.

See more about FORTIS.

SMA as the manufacturer of inverters, which are well known in the solar industry, is also developing a range of products especially for the use of small wind turbines.

Johan Kuikman, founder of FORTIS explains, “Although we have been in business for over 25 years and have developed our products to maintenance free reliable turbines, dealing with the electronics is still the most difficult part! That is why we have enjoyed so much this new joint research”.

The cooperation of a small wind turbine and the inverter have to be optimized in the energy chain.
A high efficiency inverter alone is not enough. The load the inverter gives to the generator determines amongst others the energy output of the whole chain. And this output is what is attractive to the client.

On a test field in Greece, SMA is testing the Montana in a hybrid setting combined with a Sunny Island and the SMA Windyboy 5000. FORTIS is testing the combination of its Passaat 1,4 kW model with a grid connected SMA Winyboy 1700 and the Montana 5 kW with the SMA WB 6000 on test sites in the Netherlands and in the UK.

Both firms expect a 15% higher annual energy output if the systems are well adjusted, at no extra costs.

Learn more about SMA wind inverters.