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BRodda
The Feature Creep

Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 990

Quiet Revolution

02/08/2006 3:20 PM

In an effort to make windmills more practical in urban environments quietrevolution Ltd. of the UK has designed an elegant vertical-axis wind turbine that can generate 6kW of power. Might spice up those wind sculptures in public parks having them do something useful.

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Howetwo
Power-User

Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 394
Good Answers: 1
#1

Quiet Windmill

02/09/2006 9:49 AM

Turnkey estimated cost = $52,000 (US)

6 kW capacity = $8700/kw installed cost

Average cost of electricity in US about $.09/kwh

Estimated annual electrical production = 10,000 kwh

Simple payback = 57.8 yrs

Cost would have to come down by at least a factor of 5 for the product to be viable in the US (which may be possible). It may be sold on LEED accredidation value or for the publicity value, but on an economic basis, it's a no go. PV, especially buildings with a ratchet demand utility rate, would have a much better payback, but are still an economic no go.
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BRodda
The Feature Creep

Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 990
#2
In reply to #1

Re:Quiet Windmill

02/10/2006 3:04 PM

My take on it if you are looking to spend 50K on a decorative wind sculpture, you might as well get something out of it.

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