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FAQ's Since we are not distributing or selling these yet, the questions here will be based on those asked at the Maker Fair. 1.) What kind of power does it produce? This is a question with a couple different answers. The machine generates Alternating Current or AC. It produces a very wide range of power, I have measured from 3 watts to just over 1000 watts depending on the wind and if the circuit is loaded. 2.) How much did it cost to build? This is a question that can vary depending on the materials source. I purchased most items at Home improvement stores. With my battery bank, wire, magnets, inverter, wood, bolts, nuts, washers, glue, polyurithane, disposable brushes, etc.... it was around $700. 3.) How long did it take to build? Since I built and re-built it, I would say 3 days if you could work without interruption. A fair amount of this time would be for glue and paint to dry. 4.) Will you be selling these and how much will you charge? We hope to sell them for the same or less than you can build them. However, we are making improvements in material and assembly. Also, the cost of materials has gone up a lot in the last 6 months with the US economy in its present state. We are looking to keep the cost down. When final assembly materials are chosen and manufacturing costs are calculated along with shipping costs, then we can give a real estimate of what we might charge. This should happen soon. Keep in mind that I did not build a charge control circuit on my original and there was no dump load safety for the unit, the manufactured units will have these features as well as a sturdy framework. My original used the corner of my fence as a frame. We are currently testing different materials on prototypes to get the strongest unit with weather resistance and low weight as possible. The primary prototyping stages are complete and from here we are simply settling on best choice materials and setting up the production lines. 5.) What kind of maintenance is involved? You will possibly need to squirt some oil on the top bearings 2 or 3 times a year, the bottom bearing will be sealed. Check your electrical connections at this time too. That is about it. I add a little polyurithane to protect the wood on the prototype. The manufactured units will not need polyurithane. 6.) Can I power my house? This is a loaded question, but it comes up and is reasonable to ask. Every household has different energy needs. Every location has different wind properties. Look at power output and look at your consumption on your energy bill to make some comparisons. If you are very frugal, have 20mph or better winds regularly, do not watch much TV, cook with gas, install CFL lighting or LED lighting, then yes, you might be comfortable with one unit to power your house. Realistically, you will want several if you are not living in a developeing nation and have room for them. 7.) Is it noisy? Easy to answer; No. The properties of the turbine itself make it noisless. The alternator produces a very slight hum that you can hear if you stand right next to the unit and turn your head just right. If the wind is in your ears you can not hear it. If you are more than 10 feet away I would be surprised if you could hear it even if you knew what to listen for. 8.) Can I install one of these in a suburban area or city? Yes. Because this unit can sit right on the ground and still be productive and because it is noiseless, you can install one just about anywhere. Like any yard decoration, there may be some locations that have rules regarding appearance that could interfere. Make sure you check this with your zoning laws before making an order. In cities close to the ocean, there is often a concentration of wind between buildings. The tall, narrow profile of this machine makes it possible to place it in these areas and generate power from the side of the building. 9.) Isn't the ''good air'' higher up, not right on the ground? Yes. The higher up and the fewer obstructions, the more constant and higher speed winds will hit the machine. More wind is more power. If you are able, place it in an unobstructed location off of the ground. Even 2 or 3 feet off the ground can make a significant difference. 10.) Can this turbine be mounted on its side? Yes. However, this makes it very directional. Part of what makes a VAWT great is the ability to accept wind from any direction without need for adjustment. If you have a prevailing wind and a city ordinance issue, this might be an option to consider. Keep in mind, the best over all performance will be an upright mounting. |
