Wind Survivability Testing
The generator with GenTent installed was secured near the rear of an open 6’ x 12’ trailer. The trailer was towed on a highway with wind speeds measured in excess of 70 MPH (wind gusting from the front, rear, left and right sides) in order to determine the ability of the GenTent to survive sustained high winds.
For each orientation of measurement, a Panasonic PV-DV53D digital camcorder forward of the generator, and a Microsoft HD-3000 webcam to one side of the generator, were used to capture video (for purposes of documenting a product performance). In addition, an Extech HD350 Pitot Tube Anemometer, was mounted approximately two feet from the generator to record the wind speed at the generator.
When subjected to sustained high winds 70 MPH – 80 MPH ground speed, the side of the GenTent canopy facing the wind was pushed in and the entire canopy shook mildly, while the electrical apron tended to float upward toward a horizontal position. (unless the wind direction was directly toward the front) The GenTent stayed firmly attached in all instances.
Further, testing was performed, subjecting the GenTent to sustained winds of 35 MPH – 45 MPH ground speed; using the standard electrical apron as well as the clear apron upgraded accessory.
Under these three scenarios, the standard electrical apron did not float upward below 35 MPH, while the clear apron upgraded accessory did not float up at 45 MPH or below.
The results of these tests brought us to the GenTent rating for forecast winds of 70 MPH. As this is measured above the boundary layer (10 meters or about 33 feet up), ground level wind speeds are significantly less. Using the Wind Power Law and the Log Wind Profile calculations, a 70 MPH forecast wind translates to a range from 35mph to 45mph on the ground. Using this same calculation, a ground wind speed of 70 MPH translates to over 110 MPH above the boundary layer (or forecast wind speeds).
