Rutland FM910-4 Furlmatic Windcharger

Market Suggested Retail Price

$1,055.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

This product can be acquired directly from Marlec's website.

Manufacturing/Building Method

This product is mass-produced in the United Kingdom by Marlec; it also has been licensed to be manufactured in developing countries, but there is no specification of where. Tens of thousands of the original 910 Rutland series have been sold worldwide.

Intellectural Property Type

Patent Protected

User Provision Model

Users can acquire this product directly through Marlec's website and many other resellers such as RS Components and Allied Electronics.

Distributions to Date Status

Exact number unknown. However, Marlec has installed more than 100,000 of its Rutland Windcharger turbines worldwide.  

Design Specifications

Features:

• Automatic “furling” tail fin directs the turbine out wind above 15m/s for gale protection.
• Low wind speed start-up maximizes power generation in low winds.
• High-grade construction materials for durability in the harshest environments.
• Provides a D.C. power supply to charge 12 or 24 V battery banks.
• Designed for use on permanent land-based applications where low power is needed for professional and domestic devices.
• Ideally mounted on the Rutland Land Tower and Rigging Kit – see the product catalog.

Technical Support

Technical representatives available via Marlec's support online. Owners manual and troubleshooting document also available.

Replacement Components

Users can shop for spare parts directly from the manufacturers.

Lifecycle

Not specified. Free replacement for all defects for 24 months from manufacturer.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

Designer specified performance targets include:

• Startup Windspeed: 2.6 m/s (5.8 mph)
• Produces 22W at 5 m/s wind speed
• Produces 138W at 15 m/s wind speed
• Furling tail turns turbine out of winds above 16 m/s (35 mph) to protect the system in gales
• Maximum Wind Speed 35mph
• Low wind speed start-up of just 2.5 m/s
• Low friction 3 phase alternators give a smooth and silent output

Vetted Performance Status

Tested by RS Components - includes a Statement of conformity: "This certificate confirms that the product detailed below complies with the specifications currently published by RS Components and has been subject to the quality conditions of our registration to the BS EN ISO9001:2008 management standard. Furthermore, where applicable, it provides assurance that all electrostatic discharge sensitive devices have been handled and packed under conditions that meet the administrative and technical requirements of the ANSI/ESD S20.20:2007 and the BS EN 61340-5-1:2007 electrostatic control standards."

Safety

Users should be aware of never allowing the turbine to rotate unless it is electrically connected to a regulator or batteries. Connecting open-circuited running turbines to the electrical system can cause overvoltage and damage to the system. It is recommended to handle the system with caution at all times to avoid electric shock. Avoid maintenance or repairing actions when the turbine is rotating. Users should check carefully the polarity before connecting the Windcharger.

Complementary Technical Systems

Complementary technical systems include solar photovoltaics that can be mounted on the same pole.

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

This product complies with the following standards and regulations:

•  EEC Directive BS EN 89/336/EEC
• ANSI/ESD S20.20:2007
• BS EN 61340-5-1:2007 electrostatic control standards

Other Information

Marlec also manufactures other renewable energy products like wind charge controllers, solar panels, and solar regulators.