The Green Geek

Magnetic levitation residential wind turbines

Mag-Wind has developed a magnetically-levitated vertical-axis wind turbine for residential applications. The use of magnetic levitation reduces friction, as well as that horrible squeaking sound associated with roof-mounted wind vents. The MW-1100, a Canadian invention, is reportedly able to generate the same electrical output from it’s 4 foot sweep as a much larger blade turbine.
The MW-1100 is capable of outputting 1,100 kWh per month with an average windspeed of 13mph, and has a cut-in speed of less than 5mph. It has a top speed of over 100mph, meaning it will easily handle most storms and winds. At optimal output, over 10 years the electricity produced by the MW-1100 turbine is 3.5 cents per kWh. In terms of financial payback, if your current electrical bill is $300 per month or more, the MW-1100 wind turbine will pay for itself in 3 years or less.

The units were planned to be available in spring of 2006, but so far there’s no word on their availablility.Mag-Wind