Air-X Wind Genny Noise - alternative blades advice/experiences please

[HinewaisMan]

Thinking about replacing the blades on my Air-X wind genny, which would have done sterling service over the years if you didn't mind not being able to hold conversations over the noise.

So while in the tropics we never used it, replying instead on our old AeroGen and the solar. But now up in the often cloudy bits round the UK, thinking about using it again.

With the help of the god Google, found alternative low noise blades marketed by a company called SilentWind (also just noticed another site BluemarineStore which has a pretty impressive film clip on it).

The blades aren't cheap, over twice the price of bog standard Air-X replacements, and it does seem that they are not approved by Southwest Windpower (mftrs of Air-X), but the noise is such a pain, I am seriously considering them.

Does anyone have any experience of the blades and either of the companies?

Thank you

Peter

 

[Deleted member 36384]

The link is to a forum where they are discussed and it states that they are significantly quieter http://forum.ssca.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7728&sid=0231463d13fc12a62b3c5924d2df1113

I bought a set on eBay, private sale, but the quality was visibly worse that the original blades, so I didn't fit the blades but consigned them to the spares bin. The blades had moulding flash and spigots at various point, were not a consistent colour and felt slightly furry as if there was tiny GRP feathers on the surface. I suspect that they are cheapo copies.

 

[sailor211]

I saw a yacht with a set in Weymouth last year. Shiney blue blades. Wind was only 7-8 kts but standing at his pushpit 3m from the Airx i could not hear his unit however i could hear my Air x which was probable 100m away.
I will seriously consider the silent blades when i need to replace the blades but the cost is significant

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Southwest wind power supply shorter blades than the original ones fitted to the Air X they are reputed to be quieter but the downside of any of these is that it will reduce the output and thats why people choose the Air X.

 

[CJ13]

We have Silent Wind replacement blades on our Air Breeze. They're much quieter than the originals, but by no means 'silent'.

 

[HinewaisMan]

I do like this forum!

The link is to a forum where they are discussed and it states that they are significantly quieter http://forum.ssca.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7728&sid=0231463d13fc12a62b3c5924d2df1113

Thanks BoB, that was a mega link - just what I needed. Had looked at another thread on it in SSCA, but your one didn't come up in my search.

I saw a yacht with a set in Weymouth last year. Shiney blue blades. Wind was only 7-8 kts but standing at his pushpit 3m from the Airx i could not hear his unit however i could hear my Air x which was probable 100m away.
I will seriously consider the silent blades when i need to replace the blades but the cost is significant

Yep, they are the ones. Around £250 a set, which is even worse in A$'s.

Southwest Windpower has now sold their whole AIR line to another Yankee mob called Primus. I've dropped them an email asking if they plan any similar quiet blades and will
report back here.

It amazes me away that Southwest had a really good product in the AIR generator but blew it with the blade noise. And with the fact that another company has been able to overcome any design/manufacturing issues, and a few years back now, it seems daft Southwest couldn't, or couldn't be bothered, to sort it out.

 

[rivonia]

Well now. what are you all on about. I have just fitted - Yesterday a new set of blades to my Air-X marine wind turbine. Believe me they are so much quieter than the original ones. They are the same size and colour and shape. maybe because I fitted them rather than employ some one to fit them they are fitted better than the originals? Anyway they are so very quite.

Peter