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In reply to the discussion: New Bladeless Wind Generators... [View all]
MineralMan
(151,345 posts)76. There were some vertical ones on a windfarm near Tehachapi in Caifornia.
After a while, they were no longer rotating, so must have been taken out of service. I do remember seeing them working though in the 70s and 80s.
I had a small one, constructed of half barrels, in my yard. It drove an automobile alternator that charge a 12V battery array. It worked fine, but wasn't as efficient as the traditional blades on my other wind generator.
But that was all experimental in the late 70s and early 80s. I was messing around with that stuff at the time.
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Seems to me the way you phrased this (re: it's efficiency) was a bit snooty. Poster Diaffected had a similar view but
electric_blue68
Jul 2025
#19
I didn't explain this clearly enough...it's Not about the lack of effeciency
electric_blue68
Jul 2025
#52
TY for the explaination. Too bad. I see what u say Omitting the power stats.
electric_blue68
Jul 2025
#20
There've been backyard vertical windpower generators for years. No vibrating whip action but...
brush
Jul 2025
#36
I did mention they can be as high as you like, no limitation to height and the bird kill and maintence of huge blades.
brush
Jul 2025
#47
Shielding from the wind wouldn't be a factor if the field is designed to space units from blocking each other.
brush
Jul 2025
#58
I didn't say that. Another poster said that. I eant it would be a vertical clindder shapedstructure supported on four ..
brush
Jul 2025
#61
Clever! And I do like the point that it can go in more places / more versatile. A nice fact too.
SWBTATTReg
Jul 2025
#3
Well, besides the obvious, it looks somewhat like a metal Saguaro Cactus without arms
electric_blue68
Jul 2025
#12
Seen em in Tuscon and Flagstaff areas... I think they are found at certain elevations.
ihaveaquestion
Jul 2025
#51
Ty. It Is the first I'd ever heard of them! And I've paid attention to Renewable Energies since the mid 80's.
electric_blue68
Jul 2025
#22
Stick with fossil fuels then. I'm sure burning oil and natural gas is much better.
CentralMass
Jul 2025
#54
I work in this industry, live among the wind turbines and in a major migratory route for birds between Canada and SA.
Sogo
Jul 2025
#26
Ty for info. As NYC'r I do know about tall buildings w mirrored windows, and bird problems.
electric_blue68
Jul 2025
#38
Heh...i was going to make a comment about turning his comments ie hot air into energy...at least he'd be useful
electric_blue68
Jul 2025
#39
I think they're rather rarher lovely but u can see problem pointed out...
electric_blue68
Jul 2025
#42
I think your information is incorrect, at least for offshore wind turbines.
thought crime
Jul 2025
#66