FEB 14

The short stance of the Mag-Wind turbine seems to provide an added benefit of enabling it to keep generating in extremely high winds. It can withstand a top wind speed of over 100 mph, where most other wind turbines have safeties to stop them if wind speeds get too high (some even as low as 40 mph or less). And, it is designed to capitalize on the effect of a sloped roof increasing the wind pressure to boost its efficiency (though how well that works probably depends on the orientation of the roof and the direction of the prevailing winds).

The company claims a faster payback than solar or a typical horizontal axis wind turbine, and a cost of only 3.5 cents per kWh.

I'm somewhat concerned about how well it would work in northern winters. If I had one on my house right now, I imagine it's wide base would be clogged with ice and snow. I'm also afraid many people will find it unattractive (and tellingly, the only image of what it would look like is an edited composition, rather than a photograph of an installed turbine). But, having a lower energy bill would certaily look good to homeowners who will choose this option. And if it becomes popular, designers will certainly find ways to incorporate its look into new homes in the future.

via: TreeHugger

Comments (23)

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And. . .
written by James S., February 14, 2007

the KwH/month is based on a 13 mph avg. Doesn't the vast majority of the US averages less than 10-mph.

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written by rob, February 15, 2007

Checking on average US wind speeds, it varies greatly with your location, but the vast majority of the country has averages of over 5.6ms (about 12.5 mph): http://www.awea.org/faq/usresource.html

And as vertical axis turbines work better than standard turbines at lower wind speeds, the power forecast probably isn't overly optomistic.

It is a rather ugly looking thing though, mind you for a good supply of free electric, I could overlook that.

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Claims are too good to be true
written by slg, February 15, 2007

Visit this blog...
http://blogs.onenw.org/jon/arc...buildings/ The unit as claimed does not obey the laws of physics and some dealers don't obey the Federal laws.....

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home automation system
written by krik, February 15, 2007

We are involved in Energy REsearch, to engage the talents of local students, who can learn about energy savings...we ask: Why are we paying for electricity when we are surrounded by wind farms?? Why does not our school district offer energy education to our students? They are spending tens of thousands each month on electricity, rather than learn and teach students how to produce their own power...our schools, hospitals, and churches pay huge sums of money, that could be used for education

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written by Nitin, February 15, 2007

Is there a performance curve for the unit at different wind speeds?

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written by Philip Proefrock, February 16, 2007

Average wind speed is an often used, but usually poor method for rating wind turbine performance (see http://www.windpower.org/en/tour/wres/bottle.htm).

I was leery about posting this at all because there were no pictures or data from installed turbines, and it's distressing to see that there have been problems.

I'd also like to see them address my concern about this turbine in winter weather. The company is based in Texas, but I'd like to find out how these units function in New York or Minnesota or Ontario.

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written by rob, February 17, 2007

It does mention on the site faq, that the unit is unaffected by extreme heat and cold and there is the option to install magnetic bearings, to cope with temperatures below -30c.
Of course a large amount of snow, or ice could no doubt clog it up. But then vertical turbines would no doubt be severely unbalanced by ice on the blades.

Taking advantage of the roof effect is a good idea, if you have ever fixed the ridge tiles on a roof, you will have noticed that even a slight breeze whips over the top of a roof, with quite a force.
There is one drawback, if the gable end faces into the prevailing wind, you don't get a roof effect.

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Oops.....
written by rob, February 17, 2007

But then vertical turbines would no doubt be severely unbalanced by ice on the blades.

I meant horizontal.

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A good idea, but....
written by Janis Mara, February 19, 2007

I'm just wondering about the possible effect on birds? Out here in Northern California at Altamont Pass are a number of gorgeous huge wind turbines (well, I think they look cool, anyway; mileage varies) that generate a great deal of wind energy. Problem is, birds keep getting sliced up by the blades. Just wondering if the company has done any testing on this? Other than that, hey, I'd put it up in a New York minute.

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re: Janis' comment
written by gregg, February 20, 2007

Interesting point! I read earlier than one of the advantages of VATs is that they are actually safer for birds. The danger with traditional turbines is that the blades are quite thin for the area that they 'sweep' through, so to birds they are very hard to detect. With a VAT, it looks like the same shape whether or not it is turning, so it is much easier to detect by our winged friends.

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cost?
written by julie, February 20, 2007

but how much is the turbine to install? or would it come already installed on new homes?

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Thanks for the explanation!
written by Janis Mara, February 21, 2007

Thanks for filling me in! I can certainly see how it would be easier to see this contraption than the wind turbines' long thin blades.

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Just Ignore Them
written by Jim Heimbach, May 08, 2007

I have been following this company for over two years. They have not come through on one of the many promises they have made. The efficiency claims they formerly made on their web site (now taken down, interestingly enough) show an effiency rating where it will deliver 280% of the energy available in the wind flowing through the swept area of the turbine. You be the judge. There is no physical way this company can deliver what they promise. It is as simple as that. I would simply ignore this company and anything it claims.

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written by David Erb, September 16, 2007

Hi Guys,
Where can I go to get information on which of the wind generators does the best job? I guess a sort of consumer report for solar products in general. I have been looking at this for a long time and find that the disinformation is so prolific that who can you trust?
Regards
David

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good news
written by Fake Diploma, November 14, 2007

Finally ! You can have it all: a no-noise system that sounds as good as it looks. All you need is Monster's high performance MicroXLN Xtra Low Noise interconnect cables and, of course, the right tunes.

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written by Cage, December 09, 2007

Saying that its ugly is a matter of opinion. I think it looks nice and adds an interesting conversation value to the property. It could be painted in various colors too. Now if high production can bring the price down and provide low cost clean power thats a beautiful thing.

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the future
written by Nouveau Riche, January 22, 2008

This is very cool! Soon we will be able to save oil and use wind turbines for power.

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Distributer
written by Robin L'Homme, January 31, 2008

I would like to make contact with the manufacturer, with a view to import the vertical wind turbines.
Company Name: L'Homme Quip, P.O.Box.1303. Link Hills. South Africa...3652.

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mag wind
written by jonathan, April 02, 2008

how much is the mag wind unit for?

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greatness
written by Coty Turner, May 14, 2008

I love this system!!!!!!!!!!! i bought one for my own home in Northern New York City i barely even pay any money to my old electric company. i think i only pay about 5$ a month to them. i bought it for about 9,000$ i have had it for about 3 days, and it has already save me like 30$!!!!! i finally can afford food for my son!!! i used to feed him only cat food

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professor
written by tom martin, December 11, 2008

Pleae email me mor info...specs, costs,
I plan to install some type of wind energy device and connect it first to my home and secondly to the grid for all to use.
This turbine does not have an offensive look.
I plan to install it on the roof of my house whih s located on the Atlantic Ocean...do I need to be concerned about the salt air and this running of this turbine?

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Wind Turbine
written by Michael Cassisi, January 06, 2009

Does anyone know how much they are? Will it pay for itself in say 30 years. LOL

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Vertical Wind Power Generators
written by Vertical Wind Power Generators, May 11, 2009

A vertical wind power generator is designed so as to be attached to a flat roof or stand on a platform in either an urban or rural environment. Unlike the horizontal wind power generator, a vertical wind power generator does not have to be placed in the direction of the wind.

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