http://opensourceenergy.org/txtlstvw...d-2a44417a564b

The only problem I have with this is the quote "Our patent attorney is very pleased with how broad our patent protection is."

Which probably means that anything remotely simiar (say another vertical design that is only similar in that it is vertical) may not be able to be developed because of this.

 

I've read about vertical axis mills for a long time and heard the biggest problem is that they're generally designed to be ground-based, and thus not exposed to the stronger winds that exist 50-100 feet up off the ground. I guess if it's cheap enough though, you'd be just as well to use the vertical mills. It will be curious to see if anyone licenses this design for commercial use. It seems to have a lot of promise.

 

Hi AZCivic:

___Given its exposure profile, I could see these mounted on higher towers to grab some of the higher speed winds as well? Also, given the less complex design vs. a huge prop with computer controlled hub motors for feathering and such, this one looks like it could actually make it to the home consumer? Lakedude, are you listening

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes

 

True, I guess there's nothing saying you can't have the rotational base of the vertical mill start about 15 feet up and extend up 20 feet. Even if you wanted to maintain the ease of ground-based generators and such, all that means is you need a driveshaft to extend from the mill's base to the ground. Since there is no gearmesh, this would be more efficient than prop mills which would need a 90 degree gearmesh in order to spin a driveshaft.

For that matter, the prop mill loses twice. A vertical mill that extends from 15 to 35 feet would need a straight, 15 foot driveshaft. A prop mill with blades that extend from 15 to 35 feet would need to have it's hub located 25 feet up so it's blades extend up to 35 feet and down to 15 feet. It would need a short driveshaft turning meshed gears (a maintenance item and source of weight and mechanical loss) which rotates that force 90 degrees downward to spin a 25 foot driveshaft. Assuming the vertical mill works at least as well as a prop mill, I can only imagine it would be cheaper and easier/safer to operate. Those are big advantages even if it yielded no more power at all.

 

Hi AZCivic:

___I agree.

___Good Luck

___Wayne R. Gerdes

 

I think urban skylines should/will be augmented with these in the future. There are some incredible winds up there that flow pretty consistently. How could you not take advantage of that?

 

Another good idea! We already use buildings for communications antenna, it would seem like clean, urban power generation would probably be a good fit as well. This would be another area where safety of having the generator and electricals in the base of the unit is an advantage too. You could do basic maintenance without a crane or anything since it's all in the base of the unit. The higher wind gust rating of the vertical would probably be a good fit for tower units as well.

 

Always...

They have had vertical "egg beater" designs out for many years now and if I remember correctly they have an issue with the stresses and maintenance on the bearings. I'll try to re-find the site.....http://www.windpower.org/en/tour/design/horver.htm

Making one out of 1/2 sections of 55 gal drums seems like a cool idea..