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Kestrel Wind Turbines

The South African company, Kestrel Wind Turbines, formed in 1999 is located in Port Elizabeth. In 2006 the company became a subsidiary of the well known Eveready Battery Company.

Kestrel currently markets 4 wind turbines models. They are available in standard battery charging voltages with high voltage options for applications requiring long distance transmission. For identification they use a nomenclature which is different from the traditionally used rated output value that is normally expressed in either watts or kilowatts. Their model numbers refer to the metric measurement of the rotor diameter. For example the e160 is 1.6 meters across while the e400 swings a rotor that is 4 meters in diameter.

e150

The outer construction found in all Kestrels is similar with the exception of the e160. There is no mistaking it at a distance from the other Kestrel turbines. While they all have the same general look, the six blades on the e160 leave no doubt as to its identity.

e300

You will also find no furling machines here. The e160, turning six blades, relies on electronic loading for active control and uses blade stalling as a passive backup. The e230, e300 and e400 all use blade pitch to control maximum rotor speed.

The e160 and e230 are new for 2011. The e160 has superseded the old e150 with a slightly larger rotor diameter. The new e230 has replaced the e220 with not only more swept area but also an improved blade pitch hub design.