Ran into this webpage the other day: Oregon Wind
Helyx HE-40 "The Urban Turbine"
A Vertical Axis Turbine
Oregon Wind Corporation proudly introduces a revolutionary new technology that will offer affordable, portable, renewable power generation anywhere it is needed. The Helyx Urban Turbine design overcomes many of the limitations of propeller-style turbines (noise, vibration, bird kill), making it appropriate for urban environments as well as remote locations.
Features and Benefits:
- Appropriate for urban environments, remote locations, anywhere power is needed
- Appropriate for all temperatures and conditions, including snow and ice and strong winds
- Allows for production of power where it is used, avoiding grid transmission problems
- Runs silently
- Produces almost no vibration
- Safe for wildlife (birds view it as a solid object)
- Requires no tail assemblies, slip ring connectors, high wind turbine blades or high elevation mounting towers
The unit is 17" diameter by 42" tall so it is pretty substantial. No list price is offered. What isn't mentioned until you dig deep into the site is that the maximum power output is only 40 Watts! That is enough to run a few high-efficiency lights but that is it. Talk about efficiency -- sheesh! I could run a couple of mice in an exercise wheel and get better output...
