News Getting started with wind power for off-grid energy
Save up to 75 per cent on your track wheels In recent years there has been an increasing demand for rubbertracked tractors. A key factor in this growth in popularity is that tracks undoubtedly give a better vehicle weight distribution in wet conditions and allow access to fields where the standard four-wheeled tractor cannot go. One drawback of the tracked systems available is the maintenance expense. Rather than simply replacing worn tyres, as on a traditional fourwheeled tractor, the track system requires complete replacement of the wheels once the tyre becomes worn. However, in 90 per cent of replacements, only the tyre is worn and the steel hub is often perfectly reusable, adding unnecessary expense to replacement parts. To solve this issue, UK manufacturer Clifton Rubber has
developed a proven method for replacing worn tyres. The company will strip off the unusable rubber or polyurethane tyre and mould a new tyre directly to the original hub. Clifton Rubber has the capability to refurbish all types of wheel for all types of tracked vehicle, from main drives to the mid and idler wheels, with service exchange wheels available off-the-shelf for the most popular models. The result is a high grade, abrasion resistant tyre with good tear strength and longevity, the company claims. Clifton Rubber says it receives regular feedback from customers, stating that their refurbished wheels offer similar wear characteristics to the original wheels but at a significant cost saving, often as much as 75 per cent cheaper as going straight to the manufacturer. FG
If your farm is utilising spare land for glamping, camping or outdoor events, wind power can be an ideal way to produce off-grid energy. But, how to get started? First, access a wind speed database – such as www.rensmart. com/maps – and enter the postcode for the location you wish to place a wind turbine. The database will show the average wind speed per year in metres/second (m/s) at various heights. Ideally it should be 5.5m/s or above at 10m, otherwise a wind turbine may not be viable. Variations can occur depending on the elevation of the land – for example: average wind speed 5.5m/s = estimated 1,100kWh = 1,100kWh of electricity over 12 months or more if the wind speed is higher. At 6.5m/s this would increase to an estimated 1,800kWh, increasing exponentially. FuturEnergy has been manufacturing the Made in Britain, Airforce1 1kw micro wind turbine for over 15 years, aiming to manufacture a robust, small turbine that would generate enough power
to make a difference. The new Airforce Controller, supplied with 24V or 48V wind turbine, automatically protects the turbine in strong wind conditions, provides battery charging control, whilst monitoring wind speeds and power generation. Customers can connect to the turbine from anywhere, using the free iPhone/ Android app and checking on its power output, even starting or stopping the turbine. FG
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01480 49 61 61 sales@cliftonrubber.co.uk www.cliftonrubber.co.uk 92 www.farmersguide.co.uk June 2021
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18/05/2021 20:50