Comments on: SWIFT: Ultra Quiet Rooftop Wind Turbine

By: Lobo one

Lobo one — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:24:48 +0000

Great idea’s

By: wanker0554

wanker0554 — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 15:15:11 +0000

The original designers of swift-ball may have something going on here. But, Like “mrcrispix’s” observation, It would take a inordinate amount of time to realize any financial benefit from such a rooftop system, save the carbon impact. Most areas do not have the average 30mph windspeeds. I’d like to see a relatively easy setup for ‘novices’ like myself who may be on the move location to location….

By: Magnarp

Magnarp — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 14:50:33 +0000

Looking for a nice look ?
Look at this Energy Ball quiet and beutiful.

http://www.homeenergy.se/

By: Magnarp

Magnarp — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 11:44:53 +0000

Wind power can look nice also and be quiet.

http://www.homeenergy.se/vindkraft.aspx

By: AquaNook

AquaNook — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:27:07 +0000

I am very interested in roof top wind energy generators. I live in an area the the average speed of our wind is around 12-13 mph. I have looked at some larger wind generators, ie sky stream, but am unable to put one in because of city ordinaces. Questions: Are roof top generators as good as they sound? 2) Are their grants or subsidies for us wanting to go greeen. I live in Idaho. thanks for any help.

By: smallaxe

smallaxe — Sat, 31 May 2008 09:34:00 +0000

To all those that feel that wind-turbines “look” obtrusive:
(Including all the Blue-Bloods out the Cape, or Nantucket, or Martha’s Vineyard)

It’s this or the smoke stacks from Coal-fire or the possibility of Nuclear power.
I mean does it really look that bad? I think it’s a small price to pay to ensure a future for our species.
(To be read: I WANT TO LEAVE SOMETHING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION BESIDES A MESS)

I actually find the site of wind turbines to be soothing, it gives me hope that the intelligent people of this world have not given up on the stubborn ignorant masses.

By: AJ

AJ — Sat, 10 May 2008 01:39:14 +0000

The Swift guys have a video up on their webpage, so we can judge for ourselves whether the turbine is quiet or not :)

http://www.renewabledevices.com/swift/videoclips.html

By: AJ

AJ — Sat, 10 May 2008 01:38:06 +0000

Chas: “…I wonder what the output level is for the average wind speeds of 10-15 mph…..or if that’s even enough to get it spinning”

Actually the cut-in wind speed for small scale turbines such as this one can be 6 mph or lesser, so yes, they can start to generate a healthy amount of power at lower speeds.

As far as mounting turbines at the edge of the building goes, actually they can be beneficial because it actually enhances speeds- BUT the turbines need to be tailored specifically for operating in those conditions. (Google for “Turby” or “Architectural Wind” turbines)

That said, the Swift has been around for a while, and they have come under severe criticism for apparently inflating their anticipated yields. See: http://www.wind-works.org/articles/RoofTopOvertheTopinBritain.html

By: Chas

Chas — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:29:14 +0000

the average home does not have 30mph winds so I wonder what the output level is for the average wind speeds of 10-15 mph…..or if that’s even enough to get it spinning.

one of the biggest problems with “low altitude” turbines is the constantly changing wind directions. this is the main reason why turbines are mounted up high where wind direction isn’t effected by ground obsticles. that’s why the VAWT designs (vertical axis) are better at low levels, but of course they lack the effeciency of the prop-designs. the third phot shows a bunch of fans mounted to a flat building. the turbulance created by the flat wall makes those turbines pretty much worthless.

doesn’t seem like the direction fins are big enough for this unit to be able to effectively react to changing conditions.

as far as attractiveness, my house still has a big tv antenna which we’ve enver used. If I wasn’t scared of heights I would have taken that thing down ages ago. It would be great to replace that with a turbine. doesn’t seem like it would be any more unsightly than that. the pictures above are of commercial companies that are using the turbines as a signage element to sell how enivirnmental they are.

By: DeadPanDan

DeadPanDan — Thu, 08 May 2008 20:01:31 +0000

Black blades? Unobtrusive? White blades would make them almost disappear. But black?

By: mrcrispix

mrcrispix — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:41:24 +0000

I love the idea but at an average rate of $0.08/kWh and only 2,000 kWh generated per year with 31mph winds the average person would only save $160 a year or less. With a cost of $10-$12K for the unit it would take 62 to 75 years to make it pay for itself. I doubt the life expectancy of the unit is that long.

By: LivingSpaceBuilders.com

LivingSpaceBuilders.com — Thu, 08 May 2008 15:07:17 +0000

I’m not exactly sure if calling these turbines unobtrusive is a right choice of words. Everyone defines beauty differently but they look pretty obtrusive to me not to mention ugly.

Let’s face it unlike solar tech which can be easily integrated further into various building materials, wind turbines suffer esthetically due to its inherent design. We simply have to get use to them being present like overhead power lines since they are a natural next step for the well being of our planet.