Vertical, Baby!


yeah I know I say it too often, and you know it already, but I love Vertical Axis Wind Turbines. It's no secret.

And that's why I was pleased as a peanut this morning to read the PR Release from Torrence CA's PacWind Technologies. as they announced today the availability of its patented, scaleable Vertical Axis Wind Turbine the Sea Hawk.

The SeaHawk, the first turbine in a series, has a power output of 1 kilowatt and a maximum power output of 3.4 kilowatts (retails for $4,495-- batteries not included). The SeaHawk measures 55 inches high by 30 inches in diameter. This PacWind VAWT is scaleable to megawatt class turbines. The compact SeaHawk design enables freedom of choice and flexibility for installations, and allows one or more units to mount on a single pole. The unit is also roof-top mountable, and can be set as high or low as the winds demand. Custom mounts are also available. It "incorporates PacWind's patented, permanent magnet, three-phase A.C. generator, containing the most powerful rare-earth magnets in the industry. This allows the VAWT to produce more power at lower wind speeds compared to propeller driven generators,"

Sure there are some questions about using AC and storing it (ok you wont need an inverter to run your house, and it's easier for grid connecting). And it isn't quite as hot as the Texan MagWind. But it does look like a winner. AC makes it about 1/2 price, and they are looking for distributors and dealers... so this is kinda a groundfloor opportunity for someone out there....
I am wondering though.. to me it looks a lot like Quebec's CataVent a 12 year old VAWT:

what do you think?