Hakan, Hoagy and all I've been a bit reluctant to remind us of this...
http://infoarchive.net/sgroup/BIOFUELS-BIZ/3266/ http://www.japanfs.org/db/database.cgi?cmd=dp&num=366&UserNum=&Pass=&A dminPass=&dp=data_e.html Low-Cost Windpower Generators Run on a Breeze Date : 20030708 Shinko Electric Co. has developed a small, low-cost windpower generator for residential use. Designed with a vertical axis wind turbine, the system can be installed on residential rooftops and in backyards and at small commercial facilities. It could also be used to provide backup electricity for communications equipment during a disaster. Japan's geography makes wind conditions less than ideal in many places for wind power generation. The annual average wind speed in many residential areas is less than four meters per second, and wind direction is not constant. But with its vertical axis, this wind turbine can generate power with wind from any direction. The system is also suitable for installing in dense residential areas, since it is nearly silent when in operation. The turbine starts turning with a minimum windspeed of 0.5 meters per second, and starts generating electricity at two meters per second, just enough to move the leaves on trees. The system's simple design, requiring no starter motor, makes the low cost for the unit possible. The price range for the basic system is between 200,000 and 400,000 yen (about U.S.$1,700 to $3,300). The company plans to start selling the system in October 2003. It will be sold as a kit, which purchasers can assemble and install easily by following the instructions on a video included with the kit. ---- ... because, interesting though it appears, this company does not have a good reputation here for their way of doing business. They franchise dealerships, and dealers have to commit in advance to an annual sales quota which is apparently rather high, with nasties in the small-print if you don't meet the quota. So we've been informed. They don't respond to email inquiries, or at least not to ours nor to others we know of, and we can't find any later information on these windpower generators. Still, it might be of some interest as it seems to come close to what you're looking for. There are a couple of pictures of it here: http://www.shinko-elec.co.jp/NewsRelease/new_0082.htm A power chart here: http://www.shinko-elec.co.jp/windpower/product/chara.html A system diagram here: http://www.shinko-elec.co.jp/windpower/product/construction.html ... and not much else except some purportedly pretty new artwork and hey! - a Flash cover (yawn). Best Keith Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Biofuels list archives: http://archive.nnytech.net/index.php?list=biofuel Please do NOT send Unsubscribe messages to the list address. To unsubscribe, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> Buy Ink Cartridges or Refill Kits for your HP, Epson, Canon or Lexmark Printer at MyInks.com. Free s/h on orders $50 or more to the US & Canada. http://www.c1tracking.com/l.asp?cid=5511 http://us.click.yahoo.com/mOAaAA/3exGAA/qnsNAA/FGYolB/TM ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Yahoo! Groups Links To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/biofuel/ To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
