perscientiamlibertas:
Image: Invelox
Invelox wind turbine claims 600% advantage in energy output
News on the wind power front! The US-based energy technology company SheerWind claims that, during tests, their “Invelox” wind turbine generated six times as much energy as its traditional equivalent, as well as with cheaper costs that allow it to compete with natural gas and hydropower.
According to a news release by SheerWind the Invelox wind turbine can also:
- operate at wind speeds “as low as 1 mile per hour”
- features an installation cost of “less that $750 per KW”
- increases “energy production capacity to record high of 72%”
- minimised environmental impacts
What makes Invelox different? According to gizmag:
“Invelox takes a novel approach to wind power generation as it doesn’t rely on high wind speeds. Instead, it captures wind at any speed, even a breeze, from a portal located above ground. The wind captured is then funneled through a duct where it will pick up speed. The resulting kinetic energy will drive the generator on the ground level. By bringing the airflow from the top of the tower, it’s possible to generate more power with smaller turbine blades”
As with all emergent energy technologies, especially those claiming a performance breakthrough, there results need to be treated with caution. Especially as
“SheerWind makes the claim based on its own comparative tests, the precise methodology of which is not entirely clear.”
Large-scale availability of the Invelox turbine is slated for 2014.
Continue reading / SheerWind Press Release
Further reading:
