October 15 2007

Micro Wind Turbines by AV Inc.

AV Inc. has a new micro wind turbine design, named Architectural Wind, that is marketed for use in architectural applications in areas where large mast mounted turbines are not acceptable, in cities for instance. 

"AV developed a small, modular wind turbine system designed for installation on buildings in urban and suburban areas. By eliminating the support tower, reducing noise and vibration, and creating a sleek and adaptable, modular housing that installs quickly and easily onto buildings, without penetrating the roof, AV defines a new category of wind energy systems that adds value to buildings and demonstrates clean energy at work."

The installation pictured (above and below) was at the Texas A&M University Solar Decathlon 2007 house. The turbines were not active for some reason. Maybe because there was minimal wind or possibly because the national park service has such strict rules about what is allowed on the National Mall. 

The potential market is massive but I have not seen solid evidence that the wind available in cities can support micro wind turbines. Many areas of the country are not suitable for any type of wind turbine energy generation. The answer according to AV Inc., is that this turbine technology uses building geometry to increase the strength of wind currents. By placing the turbines at the top parapet of a building, they are able to draw off the current of air being forced up the side of the building. Their studies claim that a 30% increase in wind speed is common at this point on a building. AV Inc. also claims that the Architectural Wind can operate at speeds as low as 5mph and survive gusts up to 100mph.

I applaud AV Inc. for an innovative and architecturally compelling product that makes inroads into what could be a large market for "Building As Power Plant" (BAPP) applications.

More specific information can be found in the product literature PDF here.

October 15th, 2007 at 11:06 AM. Posted in Products + Technology. Share this post.