Yesterday, I bought a 24 volt, wind turbine from the Bergey Windpower Company of Norman, Oklahoma. It is Model XL.1 which generates electrical energy at a maximum rate of 1200 joules per second at optimum wind speeds between about 12 m/s and 14 m/s.
A factor in my selection of a Bergey XL.1 was the design specifications and performance measurements in SI units. I explained this selection factor to the Bergey Company by writing: ... "Another factor was the superior quality of Bergey Web pages, including use of SI (metric) units of measurement and SI symbols in *first* place. My compliments to the Bergey engineering staff for designing in SI units, the standard measurement language of world markets." More complete specifications for the XL.1 in round SI units *first* (some *only* in SI units), are posted at <www.bergey.com>. I plan to use the turbine and solar PV cells to charge a 24 volt lead-acid battery (four Trojan golf cart batteries) which will feed a Trace 4000 watt inverter for selling surplus energy at 230 volts ac to the Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative. The co-ops' meter will then run in reverse when our grid load is small and there is strong wind or sunshine or both. The opportunity for alternative energy generation and sale to utility companies is now required by law in many States, and is (was) in conference committee as a possible Federal law for all 50 States. Was this provision passed by Congress late this week? I don't yet know. Fast track authority for foreign trade deals *was* approved to the delight of President Bush. I hope this will make it easier for the DoC to "lock in" requirements for SI in trade agreements unobstructed by opponents. Gene.
