Windspire® Now Certified to Connect Directly to Power Grids Across Europe

RENO, NEV (June 16, 2011) – Wind power technology company Windspire Energy™ (www.windspireenergy.com) today announced that it has achieved EN and CE Certification, allowing it to bring its clean, environmentally friendly vertical wind turbines to the European market.  Designed specifically for the environmental and regulatory needs of the European market, Windspire® will begin selling the Windspire 1.2kW Vertical Axis Wind Turbine through certified dealers in France, Ireland, England, Italy, Denmark, and the Netherlands immediately.  The EN and CE certified version of the Windspire turbine will allow it to be directly connected to the European power grid.

“According to the Global Wind Energy Council, 9,883 MW of wind power were installed across Europe in 2010, equating to 5.35% of all electricity produced, up from 4.8% in 2009,” said James Horn, President and CEO of Windspire Energy.  “Our unique design provides one of the most environmentally friendly, cost effective solutions for electricity production.  Europe has seen 20% growth in demand for wind power installations each year since 2006, and alternative energy sources are essential to meet the demand.  The Windspire 1.2kW Vertical Axis Wind Turbine is a powerful solution for meeting the demands for electricity across Europe.  This important certification allows us to bring our proven renewable energy solution to the market quickly to meet the needs of this growing market.”

The average cost of a kilowatt-hour in Europe is 17 cents, with Denmark topping out at 26 cents. The Windspire can offset approximately 2,000 kilowatt-hours per year, helping to drastically decrease energy bills for customers, in addition to the environmental benefits and it’s powerful aesthetic appearance. With a growing number of Windspire distributors in Europe, Windspires can now be installed in France, Ireland, Denmark, England, Italy and the Netherlands.

Windspire vertical turbines are the source of clean, renewable energy for homes, businesses, schools and museums across the United States. “We are thrilled to have passed the rigorous certification requirements and to have completed this important milestone.  With the certification, we can work with local governments, businesses, civic organizations and citizens to provide clean power that can meet their growing needs. With the completion of this certification, we can immediately offer our solution to the important European market,” concluded Horn.

The Windspire 1.2kW Vertical Axis Wind Turbine is now certified under the following directives and standards as set by the European Committee for Standardization (www.cen.eu):

• EN 50178: 1998 – Electronic equipment for use in power installations
• EN 50438: 2007 – Requirements for the connection of micro-generators in parallel with public low-voltage distribution networks
• EN 61000-6-1: 2007 – Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Immunity for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
• EN 61000-6-3: 2007 – Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Emission standard for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
• EN 61000-3-2: 2006 – EMC limits for harmonic current emissions
• EN 61000-3-3: 2008 – Limitation of voltage fluctuation and flicker in low-voltage supply systems
• RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC
• WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC
• Packaging Directive 94/62/EC
• R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC

Windspire Energy electronics are manufactured in an ISO 9001:2008 certified factory and are fully tested for functionality and safety during manufacturing.

About Windspire Energy

Windspire Energy, Inc. is the developer of the innovative Windspire vertical axis wind turbines. Made in the USA, Windspires are designed for use in urban, suburban, and rural settings. The propeller-free, vertical-axis design enables silent operation and features patented technology that maximizes energy conversion from wind into electric power, regardless of changing wind speed and direction.  The Windspire has been featured in The New York Times, Fortune, Popular Science, and on “20/20”, Extreme Makeover “Home Edition”, The Fabulous Beekman Boys, CNN and NPR. For more information, visit www.WindspireEnergy.com.

1 — www.gwec.net – Global Wind Energy Council “European growth driven by Eastern Europe and offshore wind”, 2011

2 — www.wwindea.org – World Wind Energy Association “World Wind Energy Report 2010”, April 2011

Windspire Makes Second Television Appearance

SHARON SPRINGS, NY (March 29, 2011): With the installation of a Windspire wind turbine, the Beekman Boys are one step closer to the self-sustaining farm they have dreamed of. This means they are also one step closer to Josh being able to leave his job in the city and live at the farm full time.

Beekman Boys get Windspired

The Beekman farm is in the perfect location for a Windspire vertical axis wind turbine.

Situated on top of a knoll in the Mohawk Valley where wind speeds reach an average 10 mph year round, the Windspire will be used to offset costs incurred during milking operations.

Not only will the Windspire work hard on the farm producing energy, it will also be pleasing to the eye, “It meets my aesthetic requirements for the farm.” Brent said, “It looks like a piece of kinetic sculpture. Mesmerizing really!” Josh added in, “And it’s going to make Martha jealous!!” (evil laugh).

The installation of the Windspire will air on Tuesday, March 29^th at 10:00 PM (EST), and will re-air on April 5th at 5 and 6:30, on Planet Green channel; the episode is titled “A Martha Makeover”. Windspire Dealer, Rick Anderson from Titan Construction, located in Melrose, NY, donated his time to the installation. Rick is assisting the “gentleman farmers” to design and implement new technologies that will make the farm one of the “greenest” small farms in America.

About Planet Green:

Planet Green is the multiplatform media destination for people looking for something new.  Launched on June 4, 2008, Planet Green is following the evolving conversation about sustainability and is the entertainment brand that champions the visionaries who move our world forward in small and large ways.  Planet Green and its two robust Web sites, planetgreen.com and TreeHugger.com, offer unique, insightful and inspiring content related to how we can evolve to live a better, brighter future.  Planet Green’s original programming, digital tools and content will entertain, educate and activate.

About Windspire Energy

Windspire Energy, Inc. (formerly Mariah Power, Inc.) is the developer of the innovative Windspire wind turbines.  Made in the USA, Windspires are designed for use in urban, suburban, and rural settings.   The propeller-free, vertical-axis design enables silent operation and features patented technology that maximizes energy conversion from wind into electric power, regardless of changing wind speed and direction.  The Windspire has been featured in The New York Times, Fortune, Popular Science, and on “20/20”, CNN and NPR. For more information, visit www.WindspireEnergy.com.

Reno, NV (November 15, 2010)- Mt. Rose- Ski Tahoe unveils its newest energy source – the Windspire® (http://www.windspireenergy.com)  wind turbine! The three 33-foot tall turbines were installed on the north side of its Winters Creek Lodge. The turbines will help offset the lighting costs for the new Winters Creek Lodge during the upcoming season.
“Mt. Rose- Ski Tahoe is a large advocate for using the Earth’s natural resources in its daily activities” said Ron Cox, Director of Sales at Windspire Energy. “We are excited that the Windspire will now be a part of their efforts to move more towards environmental sustainability and stewardship.”

Considered a relatively small wind turbine, the Windspire provides a low-cost, safe and energy efficient method for harnessing power from the wind. It produces approximately 2000 kilowatt hours per year in 12 mph average winds. This is approximately one-third to one –fifth of the energy usage of an average U.S. Home for an entire year.

Becoming a sustainable ski resort is an effort that Mt. Rose- Ski Tahoe has been making for the past decade. According to a statement by General Manager, Paul Senft, “Mt Rose- Ski Tahoe continues its dedication toward maintaining a sound and successful environmental policy that will both sustain and strengthen its precious natural resources.” Some of their initiatives include restoring native vegetation, a recycling and waste reduction program and transportation initiatives that decrease air pollution. To learn more about how you can Mt. Rose- Ski Tahoe’s initiative to “Go Green” log on to http://www.mtrose.com/on-the-mountain/green-rose and read “Sustainable Slopes.”

About Mt. Rose- Ski Tahoe

Mt. Rose is Tahoe’s closest skiing to Reno, located 25 minutes away from Reno and 15 minutes from Lake Tahoe. Mt. Rose boasts over 1200 acres of terrain, including the 200+ acre Chutes, and the new Winters Creek Lodge.
About Windspire Energy

Windspire Energy, Inc. (formerly Mariah Power, Inc.) is the developer of the innovative Windspire wind turbines.  Made in the USA, Windspires are designed for use in urban, suburban, and rural settings.   The propeller-free, vertical-axis design enables silent operation and features patented technology that maximizes energy conversion from wind into electric power, regardless of changing wind speed and direction.  The Windspire has been featured in The New York Times, Fortune, Popular Science, and on “20/20”, CNN and NPR. For more information, visit www.WindspireEnergy.com.

Berwyn, Illinois — November 22, 2010— Cermak Plaza has joined the green revolution by adding 12 new wind turbines in the parking lot located at Harlem Avenue and Cermak Road.

“Cermak Plaza has long provided public art for its patrons and the neighborhood to enjoy. When I saw the elegant wind spire turbines – it clicked, we could generate electricity while at the same time keeping true to the David W. Bermant (Cermak Plaza’s original developer – 1957) philosophy of ‘Color, Light and Motion’,” states Michael Flight of Concordia Realty Corporation (the principal developer for Cermak Plaza Associates LLC), “The interplay of light bouncing off the rapidly spinning turbines really adds to our $10 million renovation. And the really fantastic thing is they will also reduce our common area energy costs. It really is a homerun!”

“Cermak Plaza has always enjoyed a rich history of breaking the mold and providing more than an average shopping experience,” Robert J. Lovero, Mayor of the city of Berwyn, announced, “The use of green energy continues their innovative pursuits. The City of Berwyn encourages their pursuit of sustainable development.”

“We are thrilled too that we were chosen to install the new turbines and help promote our green initiative,” said Bernie Schmidt, CEO of Renewable Energy Alternatives, located in Northbrook, IL. “It’s exciting to see that going green is no longer just a fad but rather something that Chicago and it’s surrounding areas are embracing and moving forward with such as the Cermak Plaza has done this year. With a variety of both State and Federal incentives currently available for new customers, our energy specialist are able to assist each client in making sure that they receive the maximum incentives available to them” states Mr. Schmidt.

The 12 new turbines, manufactured by Windspire Energy, will produce an approximate total between 18,000-24,000 kilowatts of electricity per year. They work best where average winds are 11 mph. Unlike the traditional wind turbines, the unique monopole vertical-axis is a result of years of research, plus a creative strategy to turn renewable energy into an everyday realtiy.

About Renewable Energy Alternatives LLC
Renewable Energy Alternatives LLC is the Midwest’s largest and most experienced Windspire installer. We perform wind and site evaluations, design the projects and perform the installations and commissioning. Our innovative engineering team can design custom and standard Windspire installation for residential and commercial. Our in house financial team will calculate electricity cost savings and payback information as well as procure all available grants for our clients. Bernie Schmidt, BSCE our founder and CEO has been featured on several local TV news spots for his innovative Zero Energy Homes in Chicago, found on You tube under “Solar Verde”. Or you can go tour website at www.renewableenergyalt.com for more information.

About Windspire Energy
Windspire Energy, Inc. is the developer of the innovative Windspire wind turbines. Made in the USA, Windspires are designed for use in urban, suburban, and rural settings. The propeller-free, vertical-axis design enables silent operation and features patented technology that maximizes energy conversion from wind into electric power, regardless of changing wind speed and direction. The Windspire has been featured in The New York Times, Fortune, Popular Science, and on “20/20”, CNN and NPR. For more information, visit www.WindspireEnergy.com.

Reno, Nevada(October 5, 2010) -The Board of Directors of Windspire Energy, Inc. announced today that Walt Borland, President and CEO, has decided to resign, effective immediately.

Walt Borland, in communicating his decision, remarked that having successfully stabilized the business and focused its operations that it was time once again to concentrate on his personal interests. “I will always be proud of my association with Windspire Energy and wish them continued success,” said Mr. Borland.

“We thank Walt for his contribution to resolving important relationship issues with both customers and suppliers and leading the repositioning of Windspire for market leadership and growth,” said Giacomo Marini, Chairman of the Board and representative of lead investor Noventi Ventures.

The Board plans to explore a full range of options as it considers the CEO succession. In the interim, James Horn, Managing Director of Noventi Ventures, will lead an Operating Committee of Windspire Energy’s senior management to assure management continuity under the direction of the Chairman.

“We have made great strides in serving our customers and will work diligently to continue to deliver reliable products,” said James Horn. “We know that this can only be achieved through the close collaboration of our customers, suppliers and business partners and we will continue to expand those efforts.”

About Windspire Energy
Windspire Energy, Inc. (formerly Mariah Power, Inc.) is the developer of the innovative Windspire wind turbines. Made in the USA, Windspires are designed for use in urban, suburban, and rural settings. The propeller-free, vertical-axis design enables silent operation and features patented technology that maximizes energy conversion from wind into electric power, regardless of changing wind speed and direction. The Windspire has been featured in The New York Times, Fortune, Popular Science, and on “20/20”, CNN and NPR. For more information, visit WindspireEnergy.com

ENGHIEN, BELGIUM (June 29, 2010) –Looking to attract innovative technology companies, the town of Enghien, Belgium is developing a state-of-the-art business park that will feature the latest in energy efficient technologies. Prior to the scheduled opening later this summer, five Windspire® vertical axis wind turbines from U.S.-based Windspire Energy™ were installed outside the center’s first building to provide clean energy and highlight the center’s focus on new green technologies. Visible from the main highway, the installation brought many questions from the media and led to a preview event on Wednesday, June 25^th.

“We installed the Windspires in such a visible place that everyone who drove by wanted to know what these spinning things were doing there,” said Thierry Brunet of Mercinat-Sarl, Belgium’s Windspire Distributor. “The center decided it was best to hold a press event to explain how the Windspires work.”

U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, Howard Gutman, utilized the occasion of the installation to hold Europe’s first promotion of U.S. President Barack Obama’s new Green Embassy Initiative. The new initiative, formally unveiled in Paris in April, calls on US Ambassadors to highlight the importance of innovative U.S. green technology products by promoting leading U.S. green energy technologies abroad.

“These five wind turbines add to the Belgian landscape, because they are a picture of the future — a clean, quiet, peaceful and green future. This project is a tribute to the transatlantic partnership between Belgium and the U.S.” said Ambassador Gutman at the unveiling of the turbines.

The Windspire is a vertical axis wind turbine designed to provide energy directly to buildings in urban, suburban and rural areas. The unique design of the rotor enables the turbine to generate energy silently while standing just nine-meters tall. Hundreds of Windspires are currently powering homes, businesses, schools, and museums across the United States, Denmark, France and now Belgium.

“It is always exciting when we are able to combine American innovation with European passion,” said Windspire Energy President & CEO Walt Borland. “The Windspires make a visually compelling statement about the City of Enghien’s meaningful commitment to a clean energy future for our planet.”

About Windspire Energy

Windspire Energy, Inc. (formerly Mariah Power, Inc.) is the developer of the innovative Windspire wind turbines.  Made in the USA, Windspires are designed for use in urban, suburban, and rural settings.  Hundreds of Windspires are now providing clean energy to homes, businesses, schools, museums and parks. The propeller-free, vertical-axis design enables silent operation and features patented technology that maximizes energy conversion from wind into electric power, regardless of changing wind speed and direction.  The Windspire has been featured in The New York Times, Fortune, Popular Science, and on “20/20”, CNN and NPR. For more information, visit www.WindspireEnergy.com.

First Zoo in the Country with a Windspire Wind Turbine

06.23.2010 – Cincinnati, OH – The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden unveils its newest energy source – the Windspire® wind turbine! The 30-foot tall turbine was installed in the Zoo’s Go Green Garden to help power the ticketing and membership building. Along with the solar panels in the Go Green Garden, the turbine will meet approximately one-fourth of all of the power demands for the building.

“The Zoo is a natural champion of environmental sustainability” said Walt Borland, Windspire Energy CEO & President. “We are excited that the Windspire will now be a part of their efforts to demonstrate how easy it is for any of us to help protect our most important habitat – Planet Earth.”

Considered a relatively small wind turbine, it provides a low-cost, safe and energy efficient method for harnessing power from the wind. It produces approximately 2000 kilowatt hours per year in 12 mph average winds. This is approximately one-third to one –fifth of the energy usage of an average U.S. Home, or roughly enough energy to run a dishwasher and refrigerator for an entire year.

Taking green steps is not new for the Cincinnati Zoo. The Zoo holds the reputation as the greenest zoo in the country and takes that role very seriously, always looking for new ways to introduce visitors to Going Green. The Go Green Garden highlights the Zoo’s green efforts in terms of energy efficiency, green building design, water conservation, solid waste management, storm water management and land stewardship.

The Cincinnati Zoo has received many “green” awards. The Zoo was named the 2008 Conservation Partner of the Year by the Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District and received the Cincinnati Sustainability Award from the American Institute of Architects in 2009. And, in 2010, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland declared the Cincinnati Zoo ‘the greenest zoo in the country’. To learn more about how you can “Go Green” log on to www.cincinnatizoo.org and click on “Saving the Earth.”

The world famous Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden was rated the #1 attraction locally and one of the top zoos in the nation by Zagat Survey. It was recognized by Parents Magazine as #7 on the “Top 10 Best Zoos for Kids.” It has also been recognized by Child Magazine as one of “The 10 Best Zoos for Kids.” Over one million people visit the Zoo’s award-winning exhibits, and more than 500 animal and 3000 plant species annually. The Zoo is an accredited member of the American Zoo & Aquarium Association (AZA) and the American Public Gardens Association (APGA), is internationally known for its success in the protection and propagation of endangered animals and plants, and engages in research and conservation projects worldwide.

AllSafe® Energy Efficient Products, Leading Green-Tech Company, Granted Distributions Rights for Windspire®

June 15, 2010 – RENO, NEVADA –Windspire Energy™ (formerly Mariah Power) today announced a partnership with Australian-based AllSafe® Energy Efficient Products to be the sole distributor of the Windspire® wind turbine in Australia. AllSafe is recognized as one of the leading and fastest growing energy efficient product providers in Australia. The partnership will now begin the process of certifying the Windspire for the Australian market for an expected sales launch later this year.

Wind energy is the fastest growing renewable energy industry in Australia, driven by government initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2050 and a commitment to ensure 20% of Australia’s electricity supply will come from renewable energy sources by 2020. The market for small-scale turbines is expected to grow through rebate programs that can offset the costs for customers by as much as 50%.

AllSafe is introducing a unique business model that addresses the desire for customers to maximize energy efficiency due to rising energy costs. Unlike most companies that specialize in just one product type, AllSafe offers a complete line of efficiency products, including insulation, skylights, solar hot water, solar power and ventilation. The Windspire was chosen by AllSafe for its innovative and small-scale design, and will be the company’s only wind turbine product.

The Windspire is a vertical axis turbine designed for urban and suburban areas. Standing just 30 feet tall, the unique design of the rotor allows it to operate silently. Through the use of sophisticated monitoring software, customers are able to track energy generation from the Windspires in real-time. Hundreds of residences, businesses, schools and museums around the world are currently using Windspires to generate clean energy.

“Given their desire to cut emissions and focus on renewable energy solutions, Australia is a very important market for us,” said Windspire Energy President & CEO Walt Borland. “We are pleased to have found a partner in the market who is not only a leader but values innovation as much as we do.”

“Australians are famous for quickly adopting cutting-edge technologies from the U.S.,” said Sean Cochrane, Managing Director of AllSafe. “The Windspire is a wonderful departure from the old-style windmills, and will give our customers a truly unique way in which they can reduce their energy use.”

About Windspire Energy
Windspire Energy, Inc. (formerly Mariah Power, Inc.) is the developer of the innovative Windspire wind turbines. Made in the USA, Windspires are designed for use in urban, suburban, and rural settings. The propeller-free, vertical-axis design enables silent operation and features patented technology that maximizes energy conversion from wind into electric power, regardless of changing wind speed and direction. The Windspire has been featured in The New York Times, Fortune, Popular Science, and on “20/20”, CNN and NPR. For more information, visit WindspireEnergy.com

About AllSafe
AllSafe Energy Efficient Products is recognized as one of the leading and fastest growing energy efficient product providers in Australia with a broad range of products and services so it can truly offer energy efficient solutions across the whole of the customer’s home, factory or office. Through franchisees, 12 stores are currently opened in Australia with plans for six more by the end of the year. Each franchisee is accredited energy efficiency assessors. For more information, visit All-Safe.com.au.

A Windspire Wind Turbine will be painted and installed near the West St. Market in Reno, Nevada

06.07.2010 – RENO, NEV‐ Windspire Energy (formerly Mariah Power), developer of the Windspire® wind turbine, and the City of Reno today announced the artists chosen to paint the City of Reno’s Windspire wind turbine during a live Artown event on July 8th at the West Street Market. Katie Packham and Naomi Ferrall will paint the 10‐foot base pole of the Windspire that will be installed on the roof of the City’s Parking Gallery.

The project is a partnership between Windspire Energy, the City of Reno and Artown that seeks to draw attention to Reno’s commitment to arts and renewable energy during the month long art festival. Packham and Ferrall will work closely with Windspire Energy and the City of Reno to design and paint the 10‐foot base pole of the Windspire that will be installed on the roof of the City’s Parking Gallery.

“The bright and vibrant colors will truly bring the Windspire to life,” said Dave Aiazzi, Reno city Councilman. “This artwork will make a beautiful statement about Reno’s commitment to renewable energy and the arts.”

The chosen team are well known local artists; some of their best known art includes the mosaic logos for the Knitting Factory and the 1200sf mosaic mural for the Peppermill Casino pool and spa addition. Currently they are both painting a mural for the Wild Horse Theater and The Children’s Museum in Carson City. Together they bring over 13 years of experience to the project and have worked with various mediums including glass, clay and paint. Their art design for the Windspire wind turbine includes bright, vibrant colors and is a whimsical theme that depicts energy production.

The Windspire painting during the month of July is part of the 15th annual Artown festival, July 2010. The month‐long summer arts festival features more than 400 events produced by more than 100 cultural organizations and businesses in locations citywide, with major funding provided by the City of Reno.

About Windspire Energy
Windspire Energy, Inc. (formerly Mariah Power, Inc.) is the developer of the innovative Windspire wind turbines. Made in the USA, Windspires are designed for use in urban, suburban, and rural settings. The propeller‐free, vertical‐axis design enables silent operation and features patented technology that maximizes energy conversion from wind into electric power, regardless of changing wind speed and direction. The Windspire has been featured in The New York Times, Fortune, Popular Science, and on “20/20”, CNN and NPR. For more information, visit WindspireEnergy.com.

05.19.2010 – The quest to derive energy from wind may soon be getting some help from California Institute of Technology (Caltech) fluid-dynamics expert John Dabiri—and a school of fish.

As head of Caltech’s Biological Propulsion Laboratory, Dabiri studies water- and wind-energy concepts that share the theme of bioinspiration: that is, identifying energy-related processes in biological systems that may provide insight into new approaches to—in this case—wind energy.

“I became inspired by observations of schooling fish, and the suggestion that there is constructive hydrodynamic interference between the wakes of neighboring fish,” says Dabiri, associate professor of aeronautics and bioengineering at Caltech. “It turns out that many of the same physical principles can be applied to the interaction of vertical-axis wind turbines.”

The biggest challenge with current wind farms is lack of space. The horizontal-axis wind turbines most commonly seen—those with large propellers—require a substantial amount of land to perform properly. “Propeller-style wind turbines suffer in performance as they come in proximity to one another,” says Dabiri.

In the Los Angeles basin, the challenge of finding suitable space for such large wind farms has prevented further progress in the use of wind energy. But with help from the principles supplied by schooling fish, and the use of vertical-axis turbines, that may change.

Vertical turbines—which are relatively new additions to the wind-energy landscape—have no propellers; instead, they use a vertical rotor. Because of this, the devices can be placed on smaller plots of land in a denser pattern. Caltech graduate students Robert Whittlesey and Sebastian Liska researched the use of vertical-axis turbines on small plots during a class research project supervised by Dabiri. Their results suggest that there may be substantial benefits to placing vertical-axis turbines in a strategic array, and that some configurations may allow the turbines to work more efficiently as a result of their relationship to others around them—a concept first triggered by examining schools of fish.

In current wind farms, all of the turbines rotate in the same direction. But while studying the vortices left behind by fish swimming in a school, Dabiri noticed that some vortices rotated clockwise, while others rotated counter-clockwise. Dabiri therefore wants to examine whether alternating the rotation of vertical-axis turbines in close proximity will help improve efficiency. The second observation he made studying fish—and seen in Whittlesey and Liska’s simulation—was that the vortices formed a “staircase” pattern, which contrasts with current wind farms that place turbines neatly in rows.

Whittlesey and Liska’s computer models predicted that the wind energy extracted from a parcel of land using this staggered placement approach would be several times that of conventional wind farms using horizontal-axis turbines. Once they’ve identified the optimal placement, Dabiri believes it may be possible to produce more than 10 times the amount of energy currently provided by a farm of horizontal turbines. The results are sufficiently compelling that the Caltech group is pursuing a field demonstration of the idea.

Dabiri has purchased two acres of land north of Los Angeles, where he is establishing the Caltech Field Laboratory for Optimized Wind Energy (FLOWE). The pilot program at the site will feature six vertical turbines on mobile platforms.

Dabiri and his team will systematically move the turbines around, testing various configurations to find the most efficient patterns.

“Our goal is to demonstrate a new technology that enables us to extract significantly more wind energy from a given parcel of land than is currently possible using existing methods,” says Dabiri. “We want to take advantage of constructive aerodynamic interference between closely spaced vertical-axis wind turbines. Our results can potentially make better use of existing wind farms, allow for wind farms to be located closer to urban centers—reducing power transmission costs—and reduce the size of offshore installations.”

Three of Dabiri’s turbines are being provided in partnership with Windspire Energy. In exchange for the use of the turbines, Dabiri will share his research results with the company. Each Windspire turbine stands approximately 30 feet tall and 4 feet wide, and can generate up to 1.2 kW of power.

“This leading-edge project is a great example of how thinking differently can drive meaningful innovation,” says Windspire Energy President and CEO Walt Borland. “We are very excited to be able to work with Dr. Dabiri and Caltech to better leverage the unique attributes of vertical-axis technology in harvesting wind energy.”

Three turbines from another manufacturer have been purchased; the six turbines give the pilot facility a total power capacity of 15 kW, enough to power several homes.

“This project is unique in that we are conducting these experiments in real-world conditions, as opposed to on the computer or in a laboratory wind tunnel,” says Dabiri. “We have intentionally focused on a field demonstration because this can more easily facilitate a future expansion of the project from basic science research into a power-generating facility. Our ability to make that transition will depend on the results of the pilot program.”

The initial phase of the study will attempt to demonstrate which configuration of units will improve power output and performance relative to a horizontal-axis wind turbine farm with a similar sized plot of land.

“In the future, we hope to transition to power-generation experiments in which the generated power can be put to use either locally or via a grid connection,” Dabiri says.

###
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided partial funding for this project.

For more information on FLOWE, visit: http://dabiri.caltech.edu/research/wind-energy.html