October 15 2007

Micro Wind Turbines by AV Inc.

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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.

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6 Comments

December 13th, 2007 at 6:40 PM

Henry Schleichkorn

Hello AV, I am looking for micro wind turbines to distribute, retail and install in the Chicago/Cook County area. Are your MWTs available for distribution? I look forward to your reply, Henry henry@cmsp.ocm 773-474-3137

December 15th, 2007 at 3:00 AM

jonasrisen

Forward this to the product website... you are on my blog... click on the links to visit the product site.

June 11th, 2008 at 2:16 AM

Jorge Morton

please tell me how much is the cost of this wind turbine, I like to test it her in Mexico

July 3rd, 2008 at 9:05 AM

c.s.m.sundaram

I would like to deal, retail and distribute your micro wind mills in INDIA.Can you send details of models and price

March 2nd, 2009 at 7:13 AM

Kanakamuthu

Please sentd me more details regarding Micro wind turbine AV like, capacity, generator type, rated wind speed and powercurve Thanking youl

April 9th, 2009 at 9:42 AM

S K Goswami

I would like to know if any person is selling your Micro wind turbines in INDIA

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