More efficient, less expensive, geographically customizable

Why is it more efficient?

• Utilizes most efficient section of blade
• Mounted at most effective radial position
• Incorporates numerous short blades attached to wheel to capture wind energy
• Rather than 3 long blades with inefficient areas near base and tips
• Adds a large center cowling to accelerate and deflect the wind to the blades
• Is a low speed- high torque, downwind mounted, wind turbine
• Low speed also means much quieter
• 30 % more efficient than standard 3 blade designs
• Coefficient of performance above .50 (.59 is max theoretical, .35 is considered excellent according to American Wind Energy Assn. website)

Why is Hawkwind less expensive?

• Hawkwind uses a larger number of shorter blades
• Since section of blade must be able to withstand and transmit the forces and torques created at all other sections outside of itself
• Each Hawkwind blade carries less total load
• They can be constructed with less costly materials and processes
• Horizontal furling system uses basic hinge-spring biasing
• Allows graduated furling with maximum power production in high wind conditions
• Downwind configuration means automatic yaw control without the need for a tail or electro-mechanical device
• Minimal effect on efficiency since a much smaller proportion of overall blade area is obstructed by the pole as each blade passes behind

How is it geographically customizable?

• By using various configurations of swept area attached to the same generator system, average wind speed optimization can be achieved
• If you live in South Dakota (average wind speeds of 15 to 18 mph) a 1.5 Kw system will use a 10 ft diameter swept area
• Maximum power production occurs at 21 mph and furling begins thereafter
• If you live in Wisconsin (average wind speeds of 10 to 12 mph) a 1.5 Kw system will use a 14 ft diameter swept area
• Maximum power production occurs at 15 mph and furling begins thereafter

 

 

Patent pending