Small wind turbines are challenging for manufacturers to successfully design to survive the rigorsrnof the natural environment. Based on the experience of flying nearly a dozen different models ofrnturbines and experiencing nearly every type of failure possible, there are some important lessonsrnto be learned. Many failures of small turbines have been due to material fatigue. Many smallrnmachines will rotate on the order of 5-10 million times in a month. The onset of fatigue, in somerncases, may be due to lack of proper testing in a good wind regime, and verifying that the turbinernprotects itself in strong winds. Any extra cost for a quality, well designed machine could save arnlot of money in maintenance and downtime costs.
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