Wind Watcher Manual
Contents
1. ANEMOMETER 2 CONDUCTOR SENSOR CABLE STUB MAST BOOT SCREWS SCREWDRIVER BATTERY A wind direction vane sensor cable and mounting bracket are available for purchase separately Instrument Components WindWatcher Components Map FACEPLATE Figure 1 Figure 2 Display The liquid crystal display is activated by pressing any button on the instrument s faceplate As a power saving function the display will always shut off after 5 minutes of no user activity Navigation buttons Buttons correspond to the text instructions shown on the display Press the corresponding button to choose a menu item and then use the bottom right button to scroll through each menu item s data screens D cell battery An alkaline D cell battery is included with your WindWatcher This battery will run the instrument for about 1 year before requiring replacement The WindWatcher s battery status screen will indicate when it is time to replace the battery The WindWatcher will maintain all historical data and the current month s data Ground terminal The ground terminal is designed for connection directly to the earth ground of your home s electrical system with the provided ground wire The WindWatcher must be grounded before connecting any sensors Failure to ground the WindWatcher voids its warranty and could result in damage to the unit Channel description 40 The 40 channel has2. ndWatcher PERFORMANCE MONITOR User s Manual 110 Riggs Road Hinesburg VT 05461 USA TEL 802 482 2255 FAX 802 482 2272 EMAIL sales nrgsystems com www nrgsystems com NRG Systems Inc PO Box 509 Hinesburg VT 05461 Tel 802 482 2255 Toll free in USA 800 448 WIND Fax 802 482 2272 e mail sales nrgsystems com Specifications are subject to change without notice WindWatcher doc Rev 1 3 27 October 2004 Table of Contents Table of Contents eure V 4 EE 5 lle 5 TTE This Mantal ssiri 5 BE ERES 5 Theory of Operation imesaini 5 FOAIE enira ERR 5 wipe EE 6 Safety amp GROUPING E aaia 6 Environmental Considerations sesssesssssssssssseses esee ener entere intense tres 6 Unpacking the WindWatcher 6 WindWatcher Components Map 1000 enne sinere n ennet 8 Sensor Installatiori 3 2 1c i 9 Connecting Sensors to the 10 Programming the WindWhatcher 0 10 ee airin seta nace ee nennen nentes in
3. This User s Manual should be read completely before installing and operating the WindWatcher Be sure to review the Glossary so that you are familiar with important terminology Follow all instructions and recommendations closely Do not jeopardize the reliability of your data collection system by not being prepared with the required information and tools Definitions This type style is used for the general body of this manual and is used for general descriptions and instructions to the user This type style is used to warn users of a potential danger either to themselves or to the equipment or data Instructions in Brackets refer to WindWatcher s navigation buttons and require you to press a button or series of buttons to perform a specific function For example pressing the Home button will return the display to the Home Setup Help Data menu Theory of Operation The NRG WindWatcher is an ultra low power microprocessor controlled wind measurement instrument The WindWatcher constantly collects and records wind speed data and power in the wind Once the wind speed and power data are collected the WindWatcher then calculates the average wind speed average power density and wind power density speed The wind power density speed can be used with your wind turbine specifications to get an accurate prediction or verification of your wind turbine s performance More detailed information regarding the WindWatcher s cal
4. as well as the average wind speed Once the WindWatcher calculates what the total power in the wind has been it can calculate the equivalent average wind speed to get this same power at a site with a Rayleigh distribution of wind speeds This value called the wind power density speed can be used with wind turbine specifications to get an accurate prediction or verification of wind turbine performance More on this subject can be found in Wind Power for Home amp Business Renewable Energy for the 1990s and Beyond by Paul Gipe Real Goods Independent Living Book 1999 14 Technical Specifications Technical Specifications Description Data Collection Resolution Configuration Instrument type 2 channel micropower wind energy monitor Applications small wind turbine performance monitoring wind resource assessment Sensor compatibility NRG 40 Maximum anemometer IceFreell Electrically Heated counter channels Anemometer Sensor compatibility analog NRG 200P direction vana channels Co nter channels Anemometer channel dedicated for NRG 40 Maximum anemometer or IceFreell Electrically Heated Anemometer Analog channels Wind vane channel dedicated for NRG 200P direction vane Averaging interval accumulated monthly average Real time clock clock retained in non volatile memory Storage medium internal non volatile memory Maximum data storage monthly wind speed average monthly maximum wind speed monthly average power dens
5. contact NRG with the nature of the problem and serial number to obtain a RMA number Inspect your shipments for damage to packages or missing packages immediately upon receipt Record any such exceptions on the freight receipt of the delivery agent If any contents are damaged or missing report this in writing to the freight carrier and send NRG a copy of the damage report If you insured the shipment yourself report any damages to your insurance carrier Tel 802 482 2255 Fax 802 482 2272 email sales nrgsystems com 18 Repairs Sending Repair Items to NRG Systems If you wish to return an item to NRG Systems for repair or any other reason please before shipping contact NRG s Service Department by phone 802 482 2255 or fax 802 482 2272 to obtain a Return Material Authorization RMA Number The RMA Number allows us to track and route your shipment or repair Note the RMA Number on all boxes shipped to us and refer to it in your correspondence or phone calls to us Please fill out a copy of this sheet and send it with your shipment to NRG Systems Date Your Name RMA No Items being returned Serial Number Reason for return Warranty Yes No Not Sure Purchase Date Invoice No Estimate for repair charges requested Yes No Repair not to exceed US Person to be contacted with estimate Phone Person to issue Purchase Order for repair Phone Billing Address Shipping Address Send y
6. damages due to any unauthorized service This warranty also will not apply if any seal on any instrument or sensor is broken or the equipment was not adequately grounded To return a defective product call NRG Systems at the telephone number listed below for a RMA return authorization number You must also have available when you call the serial number of the item as well as date of purchase No products will be accepted for warranty work without a RMA number The product must be returned postage prepaid to NRG with a brief description of the problem RMA number and a return address with phone number The foregoing limited warranty is given in lieu of all other warranties express or implied NRG specifically disclaims all implied warranties including but not limited to any implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose The above limited warranty expressly excludes and NRG shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages caused by or related to the use of inability to use or malfunction of this product Prompt disposition NRG will make a good faith effort for prompt correction or other adjustment with respect to any product which proves to be defective within the warranty period First contact NRG or the representative from whom the product was purchased and ask for a RMA number NRG will also make a good faith effort for prompt service after the warranty period of a product has expired Please
7. 482 2255 110 Riggs Road Toll Free USA only 800 448 WIND 800 448 9463 Hinesburg Vermont FAX 802 482 2272 05461 U S A Email support inrgsystems com When you call or email you should have the appropriate product documentation at hand and be prepared to give the following information Customer name Who purchased equipment Item number or description Serial number When equipment was purchased Where equipment is installed climate and terrain conditions Description of the problem with some detail What events took place leading up to the problem What you have tried while attempting to solve the problem All instruments sensors software and towers manufactured by NRG Systems are designed to be reliable and easy to use We welcome your comments and appreciate your help in making NRG products the best available Introduction Introduction Welcome Congratulations on your purchase of the NRG WindWatcher The WindWatcher provides basic wind speed direction and wind power density information in an easy to install easy to use package Instantaneous and historical wind data are available at the touch of a button Stored data can be used for prediction or verification of wind turbine performance Inexpensive totalizers or weather stations that provide only average wind speed don t give a complete picture of your site s wind energy potential The WindWatcher provides a professional quality complete assessment Using This Manual
8. a built in interface for the NRG 40 Maximum anemometer or NRG IceFreell heated anemometer It is very important that the WindWatcher is set up for the correct sensor because the output signals from the 40 anemometer and IceFreell heated anemometer must be scaled differently The WindWatcher will scale the wind speed data according to which sensor you ve chosen in the Setup menu Vane The Vane channel has a built in interface for the NRG 200P wind direction vane Installation Sensor Installation 1 Refer to Figures and 4 Insert the tinned ends of the sensor cable through the top of the rubber sensor terminal boot s cable sleeve Pull through until the end of the cable with lugs extends out the top of the boot Slide the rubber sensor terminal boot and sensor onto the straight stub mast Secure the anemometer or wind direction vane with the supplied cotter pin and set screw Loosen the nuts on the studs on the sensor s base and slide on the lugs as follows Anemometer Connect the black wire to the anemometer s terminal and connect the red wire to the anemometer s terminal Wind Direction Vane Connect the black wire to the wind vane s terminal the white wire to the wind vane s center terminal signal and the red wire to the wind vane s terminal Tighten the nuts down using a 5 nut driver Do not over tighten 2 Lightly coat the terminals with petroleum jelly and slide the rubber boot over the bottom of the
9. culation of wind power density speed can be found in the Wind Power Density Speed section of this manual The WindWatcher calculates monthly averages wind power density and provides a continuous log of the wind pattern Averages and maximum values are calculated from continuous 2 second data samples Samples are continuously averaged and are written into the WindWatcher s history at the end of each month Features Simple to use Intuitive navigation Gives a complete picture of the wind pattern at your site Inexpensive turbine performance verification Operates on a single D cell battery for one year Allows historical comparisons of 1 year s worth of data Calculates actual power in the wind Precautions Precautions Safety amp Grounding The WindWatcher is intended to be mounted indoors Please exercise caution when grounding your WindWatcher Be sure to shut off the electricity to nearby light switches and electrical outlets before connecting the WindWatcher s ground wire to an existing ground terminal Environmental Considerations e Your WindWatcher must be properly grounded A ground wire is included and should be connected from the WindWatcher s ground terminal to the ground of a nearby electrical outlet cold water pipe or other appropriate earth ground It may be most convenient to locate the WindWatcher above an existing light switch or wall socket Please consult an electrician if unsure about proper grou
10. dWatcher to navigate menus and program the WindWatcher 11 Programming the WindWatcher Programming the WindWatcher Home The Home button upper left button can be pressed at any time to return you to Home Setup Help gt Data menu The Home button is similar in function to a computer s ESC escape key and be used to quickly return to the introductory screen without making any changes Help The Help gt button is context sensitive Help information will be related lo whatever screen is displayed when the Help button is pushed For example if you are in the Ci Linita screen and press the gt Help button instructions regarding how to change or maintain the current units seting will scroll across the screen Setup Menu Set Clock To set the clock push the Setup button and then Yes The instrument will prompt you to set the year Adjust the year by using the C and buttons until the correct year is displayed When the displayed year is correct choose OK The next screen will prompt you to set the month Adjust the month by using the and buttons until the correct month is displayed When the displayed month is correct choose OK The next screen will prompt you to set the day Adjust the day by using the C and buttons until the correct day is displayed When the displayed day is correct choose OK 5 The next screen will prom
11. en tense dnt nene E sein tenes rentes sein tnr snnt nennen 12 OMG sea 12 12 SIUE 12 Data Menu pc M 13 Wind Power Density Speed int deeds 14 TeChMiCal es Tere eum 15 Eor A E 17 Two Year Limited Ru Eri 18 Sending Repair Items to NRG 2 11 aeann sn aa aaa aaa eaaa aaa sinis 19 Customer Support Customer Support NRG Systems offers a variety of support options to help you get the most from your NRG product If you have questions about your WindWatcher first look in the printed product documentation or visit the Customer Support section of NRG s web site www nrgsystems com NRG Systems maintains an extensive website which includes an in depth customer support area for NRG customers During our regular business hours you may contact your salesperson or NRG Systems Customer Support for assistance using the information below Customer Support is available 8 30 AM to 5 00 PM EST Monday through Friday NRG Systems Inc Telephone 802
12. hing the lower left button will allow you to view the previous screen Wind Power Density Speed Average wind speed values alone do not give an accurate prediction of wind turbine performance The power available from the wind is related to the cube of the wind speed Therefore a site with a few windy days followed by a few days with no wind can actually have a HIGHER energy content than a site with steady wind and the same average To get the complete picture you must know the wind speed frequency distribution which tells the percentage of time that the wind is blowing at each wind speed In many places this wind speed frequency distribution follows a pattern called a Rayleigh distribution If you know that the wind follows a Rayleigh distribution then by knowing only the average wind speed you can deduce the entire wind speed frequency distribution a Rayleigh distribution is a special case of a Weibull distribution with an a or shape factor 2 0 When wind turbine manufacturers project power production for a given model of wind turbine based on the average wind speed they assume that the wind follows the Rayleigh distribution Therefore if you are using a turbine manufacturer s power curve information to predict power generation at your site but your site does not fit the Rayleigh distribution the wind turbine power predictions may be too optimistic or too pessimistic The WindWatcher calculates the actual power in the wind
13. its To change the units push the Setup button and then repeatedly press the No button until Ci appears on the display Push the C Yes button to change from the current setting push the No button to leave the setting as you found it If you are unsure of the current setting press the upper right Help button for instructions Data Menu Hist Pressing the C Hist button will display wind data for previous months The most recent available month will be displayed The gt Nxt button is used to scroll through e average speed maximum gust direction of maximum gust if you have a wind vane connected wind power density wind power density speed average direction measurements if you have a wind vane connected Use the lower left button to move backward chronologically Please note that the current month s data are not available until next month 13 Programming the WindWatcher gt Current Pressing the Current button will allow you to scroll through current speed current direction if you have a wind vane connected maximum gust direction of gust if you have a wind vane connected average speed average direction if you have a wind vane connected average power density power density speed battery status clock time and date settings by pushing the Nxt gt 1 button An explanation of any of these parameters can be obtained by pressing the upper right Help button Pus
14. ity monthly power density speed monthly wind direction average Data delivery speeds 0 1 m s or 0 1 mph user selectable Displayed resolution e direction to 1 degree Analog measurement approx 0 5 degree resolution Counter average stored 0 1 m s 0 1 mph resolution Analog average stored 1 degree resolution Min Max stored resolution 0 1 m s 0 1 mph Liquid Crystal Display LCD 2 x 20 characters 4 navigation buttons on screen menus Parameters recorded for each channel display units Configurable parameters sensor type 40 or IceFree 11 clock Power requirements Installation Kauniin e Mounts with 4 screws into any US standard 2 gang electrical box 9 surface mount enclosure included Tools required Screwdriver for sensor terminals and mounting screws included 15 Technical Specifications JOteraceessoies 200P wind direction vane sensor mounting booms 40 C to 65 40 F to 149 F display readable 20 C to 60 C 4 Operating temperature range o F to 140 F Operating humidity range 010 100 RH non condensing Physical Weight 0 34 kg 0 75 pounds Environmental 11 9 cm x 11 9 cm 4 7 inches x 4 7 inches Faceplate Injection molded white ABS Blue ABS Liquid Crystal Display LCD 2 x 16 characters Material e Liq y play on display readable from 20 C to 60 C 4 F to 140 F Wiring panel zinc plated terminal screws Enclosure 2 gang s
15. nding e Sensor cables become less flexible and are more easily damaged at very low temperatures e Make sure that all sensor cables are securely fastened to the tower or mounting hardware so they do not move about in the wind e Be sure that all connections are tight and securely fastened to ensure reliability in high winds e Always use good quality alkaline batteries and always stay within reasonable limits when establishing your battery replacement schedule e f mounting sensors to a tower make sure that all sensor cables are spiral wrapped 2 wraps every 3 meters around the tower to discourage natural frequency vibrations Use a high quality electrical tape rated for extreme conditions to further secure the cables to the tower or mounting hardware 3M Scotch Super 88 electrical tape works very well in cold climates Unpacking the WindWatcher System Confirm that you have received all components by comparing your order to the items below Immediately contact NRG Systems if any of the components are missing at 802 482 2255 toll free from the USA amp Canada at 800 448 9463 The standard WindWatcher package includes WindWatcher wall plate with surface mounting box NRG 40 Maximum anemometer with black sensor terminal boot stub mast 30 m 100 feet 2 conductor sensor cable screwdriver 4 screws User s Manual CD ground wire D cell battery Precautions Sy FACEPLATE SURFACE MOUNTING BOX GROUND WIRE
16. ound terminal marked GND e Touch the two signal wires to the earth terminal to dissipate any static electricity that has built up in the sensor e NRG cables for the anemometer have white and black wires To connect the two wires from the anemometer to the WindWatcher e Connect the black wire to the 40 terminal on the WindWatcher e Connect the white or clear wire to the 40 terminal on the WindWatcher Figure 6 10 Installation To connect the optional NRG 200P wind direction vane e Connect the vane s bare shield wire to the WindWatcher s earth ground terminal marked GND e Touch the three signal wires to each other Then touch first the black wire and then the other wires to the earth terminal to dissipate any static electricity that has built up in the sensor e NRG cables for the wind vane have red white and black wires To connect the three wires from the wind direction vane to the WindWatcher e Connect the black wire to the Vane terminal on the WindWatcher e Connect the clear or white wire to the Vane SIG terminal on the WindWatcher e Connect the red wire to the Vane terminal on the WindWatcher Install the D cell battery according to polarity indicated on battery holder Check that the display comes on Attach the WindWatcher and faceplate assembly to the mounting box using the four white screws provided Use the buttons as described in Programming the Win
17. our shipment FREIGHT PREPAID and INSURED against loss or damage in transit to NRG Systems Inc Attn Receiving Dept RMA No R 110 Riggs Road Hinesburg VT 05461 USA SHIPMENTS SENT FREIGHT COLLECT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED BY NRG SYSTEMS International Customers please state the following in your shipping documents THESE ITEMS ARE BEING RETURNED TO THEIR U S MANUFACTURER COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE AND ORIGIN IS U S A HS CODE 9801 00 1025 19
18. pt you to set the hour Adjust the hour by using the buttons until the correct hour is displayed Note that the instrument s clock uses a 24 00 format For example for 5 00 pm you must choose 17 00 When the displayed hour is correct choose OK The next screen will prompt you to set the minute Adjust the minute setting using the C and buttons until the correct minute is displayed When the displayed minute is correct choose OK Reset All Data If you wish to clear all historical data and all of the current month 5 Uaa from the instrument s memory push the Setup button and press the No button ad the E P menu appears Push the Yes button and the instrument will ask Hre sicui Sure Pressing Yes again will clear all history data and current data from the instrument s memory Press No 5 or Home if you do not wish to erase all data Sensor Type Select the type of sensor that is connected to the WindWatcher It is very important that the WindWatcher is set up for the correct sensor because the output signals from the 40 anemometer and IceFreell heated anemometer must be scaled differently The WindWatcher will scale the wind speed data according to which sensor you ve chosen in the Setup menu data historical and current will be displayed scaled based on the currently selected sensor type 12 Programming the WindWatcher Enable Disable Vane If yo
19. se this average takes the wind s frequency distribution into consideration it is a more accurate predictor of potential power generation from a wind turbine An assumed wind speed frequency distribution function that is used to estimate the energy production performance of a wind turbine The time period between samples of the input sensors The WindWatcher samples data once every two seconds At the end of the averaging interval the WindWatcher calculates and stores an average of these samples The period of time that data are gathered before being stored to non volatile memory The WindWatcher has a storage interval of 1 month Place where sensor and grounding wires are connected to the WindWatcher The compass direction as compass points NE NNE etc or degrees 0 to 360 from which the wind is blowing See Wind Power for Home amp Business Renewable Energy for the 1990s and Beyond by Paul Gipe Real Goods Independent Living Book 1999 for more information 17 Warranty Two Year Limited Warranty NRG Systems Inc NRG warrants its products for a period of two years from date of original purchase solely for the benefit of the original consumer purchaser If this NRG product is determined to be defective in materials or workmanship NRG will at NRG s option repair or replace this product without charge This warranty does not cover damage due to improper installation or use accident or misuse lightning or
20. sensor Secure the bottom of the rubber boot with electrical tape leaving a hole for drainage of moisture Figure 5 Do not tape the top of the boot to the sensor because if the tape unravels it can interfere with the sensor s rotation Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 3 Attach the sensor stub mast to your chosen installation site and run sensor cables to the WindWatcher s location in your house It may be most convenient to locate the WindWatcher above an existing light switch or wall socket Installation Connecting Sensors to the WindWatcher 1 First connect the green ground wire to an appropriate ground in your home electrical system such as an electrical ground used for a nearby outlet or light switch or a copper cold water line The WindWatcher must be grounded before connecting any sensors to the logger If you are unsure how to do this safely consult an electrician As with any electrical wiring be sure to shut off all power to the area of the house in which you are working 2 Remove the WindWatcher from surface mounting box provided and mount the box at the desired location in your house thread sensor cable ends and green ground wire through the hole in the mounting box 3 Connect the green ground wire to the WindWatcher s GND terminal see Figure 6 4 To connect the anemometer e First connect the anemometer s bare shield wire to the WindWatcher s earth gr
21. u do not have a NRG 200P wind direction vane connected to the WindWatcher it is recommended that you disable the vane channel so that it does not record or display non existent direction data If you connect a wind direction vane to the WindWatcher and wish to record and display wind direction data the wind vane channel must be enabled To enable or disable the wind vane channel n ihe Setup button and then repeatedly press the No button until Enable Manet Disable Lane appears If the wind vane channel setting is currently disabled Liane will be displayed If the wind vane channel setting is currently enabled the display will read Push the Yes button to change from the current setting push the No button to leave the selling as you found it Show Hide Power Data You can instruct the WindWatcher to or d E data pon the Setup button and then repeatedly press the No 5 button until F appears on the display If the power data screens are currently hidden the d will read gt P If the power data screens are currently not hidden the display will read Higie F a7 You may athe upper Mos Help button for instructions if you are unsure Push the C Yes button to change from the current setting push the No button to leave the setting as you found it Change Units screen is used to select between displaying wind speed in Imperial mph or SI m s un
22. urface mount electrical box UL approved Meets or exceeds wind energy industry standards 16 Glossary Anemometer average direction average power density average wind speed averaging interval current wind speed current wind direction direction of gust maximum gust power density speed Rayleigh distribution sampling interval storage interval terminal block wind direction Glossary A sensing device that is used to measure wind velocity The WindWatcher collects data from an anemometer and wind direction vane The NRG 40 Maximum anemometer is a 3 cup anemometer The average of wind directions sampled thus far for the current month or recorded for a previous month The average power density based on the wind speed samples thus far for the current month The average of wind speeds sampled thus far for the current month or recorded for a previous month The time period over which the WindWatcher collects data for averaging The WindWatcher continually averages sampled data and writes the averages into the data history at the end of each month Wind speed sampled for the previous 2 second period Wind direction sampled for the previous 2 second period Wind direction sampled at the time of the maximum 2 second wind speed The maximum 2 second wind speed recorded for the current month This is the average speed back calculated from the accumulated power density assuming a Rayleigh distribution Becau
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