New Wind Turbine Design Good for Rural and Urban Areas

Run time: 02:02 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNudnI5tzf8   Posted on YouTube: June 13, 2008 By YouTube Member: VOAvideo Views on YouTube: 480901   Posted on DU: March 29, 2011 By DU Member: DeSwiss Views on DU: 622

 

Even if it doesn't save me a whole lot of money, it might at least power my oil-fueled heating system when the power grid is interrupted.

We need more decentralized power generation to starve the energy monopolies out of our government. True grass roots action.

it's about time, I hope he doesn't get squashed by big money.

It's in the price range that most people can afford if they want to, and if it's $80-100 off your electric bill every month it would eventually pay for itself.

From their spec sheet pdf:
Cut-in Wind Speed 8.5 mph | 3.8 m/s
...
Rated Power Wind Speed 24 mph | 10.7 m/s

and the wind speed has to be above 13 mph before you generate more than 200 watts, per the chart in their spec sheet.

source: http://windspireenergy.com/wp-content/uploads/Pages-from-10-WIND-0216-WindspireSpecSheet-standard1.pdf

"Cut in speed" is the wind speed where the blades start turning. So in winds less than the cut in speed you'll be looking at a pretty lawn ornament only.

Please check on the average wind speed in your area and buy an anemometer to determine where you would need to install it in order to make the most power. Or you could spend another couple grand and get a wind turbine that starts generating power at 2 mile per hour wind speeds (WindTronics WT 6500) or get one that starts at 7 mph but costs less than $1000 (Missouri General 1500 watt - http://www.mwands.com).

Please check into the specs yourself and make sure that you're getting what you pay for before you sign on the dotted line.