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>Montana Wind Applications Center
Red Bluff Turbine Donation
Early in 2009, the WAC gained ownership of a Whisper 4500 Turbine
formerly used in wind power projects by MSU Electrical
Engineering Professor Hashem Nehrir. The turbine
was installed near Norris, MT along State Highway 84 at the MSU
Red Bluff Research Ranch. One of the
conditions imposed with transfer of ownership was that the
WAC would dismantle the installation.
The Whisper 4500 was
manufactured by World Power Technologies of Duluth,
Minnesota; This company was acquired by Southwest Windpower of Flagstaff Arizona in April 2000. Southwest
Windpower presently markets the re-vamped Whisper line and
several other lines of small wind turbines including the
Skystream and Air models. The Whisper 4500 turbine produces 3-phase AC power which is converted to 48
volt DC (to charge a battery bank or for other electrical
needs.)
In June 2009 the WAC team lowered and disassembled the
tower, turbine and blades,
and support equipment and brought the entire unit to the WAC
for evaluation, testing, and refurbishment. If all goes well
the reconditioned turbine will be given a new home on MSU
property. (Below.
Pictures of the Machine as is stood at the Red Bluff Ranch.)
Currently the WAC team has disassembled the turbine for cleaning and inspection.
It will be re-assembled and tested. (Below. Pictures of the disassembled
turbine)
 
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