Traditionally the Gaia-Wind 133-11kW turbine is supplied on an 18m tower, which gives the customer an average increase in energy captured of around 10% compared with nearest competitors. However, in some areas of the country planning officials have strict requirements regarding tower heights. In order to ensure our customers are not excluded from planning approval, we have developed a universally accepted lattice tower with a 15m hub height.
Gaia-Wind would always recommend an 18m tower, because every metre gained improves the output of turbine. For areas where the turbine does not have an open exposure to the wind, it is important to get the lowest point of the blade (11.5m for an 18m tower and only 8.5m for a 15m tower) well above the highest point of any obstructions.
Gaia-Wind is also developing a tube tower with a hub height of 27m, to add to the range of turbines available. This higher tower will generate higher energy output and is especially useful when there are obstructions in the direction of the prevailing winds. The 27m tube tower is expected to be available to customers from the second quarter of 2010.
