Some things seem too good to be true, but in this case, it is true and really good. A multinational amalgamation corporation based in Charlotte, North Carolina, invented a wind turbine aimed at making the lives of homeowners easier and more powerful. This 2000 kWh wind turbine is the future for home and could result in 25 years of free energy. If you are not convinced yet, we beg you to bear with us. Here is what we know about this pioneering wind turbine that has heads turning.
This company is addressing the challenges of wind power
Wind power is a popular renewable energy source, but it is not without its challenges. Indeed, many locations are not windy enough, which makes the application of wind power limited. For example, in the US, wind power generation is mostly suitable in the coastal regions and parts of the Midwest. It has been estimated that 90 percent of US wind resources average 9mph (14.5 kph) or less. Another challenge is the fact that the majority of conventional wind turbine designs only spin until 7 or 8mph (12 kph), so finding a suitable location to install the turbine becomes a major problem.
Thankfully, many companies are addressing the issues that turbines face by using various innovative methods. One such company is Honeywell International Inc. The company is behind the creation of the EarthTronics Honeywell Windgate, which will be available in the northern fall. The Windgate will be available for purchase in ACE Hardware stores in the US for USD$ 4,500. According to EarthTronics, its installed cost is about one-third of the cost of conventional ones, with a lower installed cost per kW than most on the market.
Sounds too expensive? Thankfully, homeowners in the US qualify for federal and state rebates that cover anything from 0 percent to 100 percent of the total cost of the turbine, making Windgate an even more cost-effective option for personal wind power generation.
This wind turbine will have homeowners ecstatic
EarthTronics’ and Honeywell’s Windgate is appropriate for installation where the power is being consumed, even if the wind is generally low in that area. The Windgate is 6 feet (1.8m) in length, and it weighs less than 95 lbs (43kg). It can be easily installed on a house or business rooftop, walls, or on an independent pole. The design of Windgate is aimed at eliminating the geared hub design found in other turbines. What makes it even better is that a unit runs more quietly and with less vibration than conventional turbines,
The Honeywell Windgate also includes a computerized control box, a power inverter, and an interconnect switch to wire the system into a household panel. It is recommended to seek the help of a professional electrician for the installation of the Windgate. The homeowner is also required to provide one or more automotive-type batteries to complete the system.
These numbers do not lie
The Windgate can spin in light winds as low as 2 mph (3.2 kph). The turbine produces energy through its gearless “free wheeling” Blade Tip Power System, which decreases mechanical resistance and drag. Rim-mounted permanent magnets produce power at the ends of the blades.
According to the company, the design’s efficiency allows the Windgate to run in a higher range of wind speeds (2 to 45 mph, 3.2 to 72.4 kph). Conventional turbines usually begin spinning at 7.5 mph (12.1 kph) and shut down around 29 mph (46.7 kph) to shield their gearing systems. The Windgate, once it has been installed, can produce up to 2000 kilowatt hours (kW) of power annually, which is about 15 percent of an average household’s energy needs.
The Honeywell company’s innovative approach to address the challenges that are normally faced by renewable energy technologies will certainly help ease the global transition to renewable energy usage, especially from a home perspective.