ReDriven turbines 10Kw

System
System Posts: 2,511 admin
http://www.redriven.net/products_10kw.htmlwhat information can anyone give me about redriven turbines?what about the hydraulic tower,if they offer a tower that lowers easily,do they expect you will be using it often?are they reliable units and if there is a problem does it take weeks or months to get a response?anyone out there own one of these?

Comments

  • niel
    niel Solar Expert Posts: 10,300 ✭✭✭✭
    Re: ReDriven turbines 10Kw

    we can't comment if we don't fully know what you refer to so can you be more specific as to what you are referring to with redriven? is that redriven or renewable energy driven and that needs further extrapolation in either case by you. links to show what you refer to?
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Re: ReDriven turbines 10Kw

    I like that they have addressed the issue of how to do yearly maintenance (from video--yearly maintenance requirement?) without needing a crane...

    However, you still need a hydraulic mule--and it is hard to tell--do yo buy the cylinders or do they bring them for maintenance. And if the cylinders are left on-site--they will need cover from the weather (not a big deal).

    The 10 kW turbine (last couple of videos) was generating ~2.4 kWatts on a pretty windy day (lots of wind noise with video camera)... Power output will still depend on the location.

    At least, these are good sized turbines on tall towers (80'?) with the inverters on the ground, not in the pod at the top of a pole. Not roof top units advertising to run 100% of your home's electric loads.

    One question I did not see answered in my quick look through--Do they have mechanical shutdown (feathering) of some sort. Without that--the turbine is an accident waiting to happen.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • WisJim
    WisJim Solar Expert Posts: 59 ✭✭✭
    Re: ReDriven turbines 10Kw

    Did the website even tell the diameter of the rotor of the machines? Maybe I missed it, but I didn't notice that important piece of info, either.
  • System2
    System2 Posts: 6,290 admin
    Re: ReDriven turbines 10Kw

    finally found someone installing one of these http://smallwindy.blogspot.com/2009/04/is-redriven-product-right-choice-for.html
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Re: ReDriven turbines 10Kw

    This warning from California about Redriven Wind Turbines from March of 2009 would give a person pause (from inside Fury's link). This are multiple reports of blade failures.

    Another report also has the failure of the concrete base of a Redriven unit. Here is a list of various reports over the last year to WindAction.Org

    It sounds like many of the issues had to do with the Chinese built blades and the Canadian company is working (has completed by now?) alternate sourcing for blades (for 20 kW units).

    In the end, wind turbines are complex and potentially dangerous pieces of equipment. Check references before you buy.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • System2
    System2 Posts: 6,290 admin
    Re: ReDriven turbines 10Kw

    I've got a 10 KW Redriven windturbine. You can find possibly more that you want to know on my blog.

    There is a Frequently ask questions page.
    http://smallwindy.blogspot.com/p/frequently-asked-question.html

    A page that describes how is was built.
    http://smallwindy.blogspot.com/p/installation-of-my-redriven-10kw-wind.html


    Then the main blog where I report on the latest findings.
    http://smallwindy.blogspot.com/

    Soon I"ll include a results page. I'm gathering the results now.


    Also see my youtube videos - under smallwindgen
  • System2
    System2 Posts: 6,290 admin
    Re: ReDriven turbines 10Kw

    ReDriven has to be the most poorly run company I have ever had to deal with.

    After waiting for over 2 years we finnally got the correctly sized blades for our 20KW unit. As usual with ReDriven product, they were defective right out of the box. We ran the unit for all of about a week and a half before the ananometer fell off - AGAIN FOR THE FOURTH TIME.

    My turbine has been down for months now. In fact it has been down for most of the time since it was installed. After many, many calls and emails to ReDriven, they still have not responded.

    I have requested my money back and filed a claim with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB has closed the case ("unresolved")and gave ReDriven a D+ rating. ReDriven does not seem to care.

    I am incredibly disappointed with this product. It feels like I have literally thrown away $36,000. (This is after the rebate, the total was about 70,000!!!)

    If any one would like the truth about ReDriven and their products, feel free to email me.

    jtp1@frontiernet.net
  • System2
    System2 Posts: 6,290 admin
    Re: ReDriven turbines 10Kw

    Check out the link below to the Better Business Bureau

    http://www.bbb.org/ottawa/business-reviews/wind-energy-systems/redriven-power-in-iroquois-on-40449

    REDRIVEN NOW HAS AN F (complete failure) RATING!

    This is what they deserve as their product is defective and they refuse to repair or replace mine. (as well as many others)
  • keyturbocars
    keyturbocars Solar Expert Posts: 375 ✭✭
    Re: ReDriven turbines 10Kw

    I've also read way too many horror stories about the ReDriven wind turbines. Not sure how they are still in business. Must be from new customers getting into it unaware!

    Edward