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Oklahoma center orders 24 vertical-axis wind turbines

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation has been testing out Helix wind technology since May 2009

Micro-wind turbine producer Helix Wind has won a contract to provide 24 of its 4.5-kilowatt machines for a biomedical research institute in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation had been testing two of the 16-foot-tall Helix vertical-axis wind turbines since May 2009.

Through its distributor SWG Energy, Inc., California-based Helix Wind has now accepted a $400,000 purchase order for a full 24 of its S594 systems.

The S594 has a retail price of $16,000 and according to its manufacturer, can produce 3,362 kilowatts of electricity a year.

Unlike conventional horizontal-axis wind turbines, vertical-axis machines are able to generate power from turbulent wind conditions, drawing power from all wind directions without needing to turn for optimum generation.

They are, however, seen as a less proven technology.

Mike Morgan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, said after the testing of two Helix machines, he was confident the machines would meet his organization’s requirements.

Mr Morgan said: “This is cutting-edge technology, and we believe we’re the first research organization to install a vertical-axis wind turbine farm on our roof. Helix Wind’s S594 offers a reliable wind turbine that operates effectively in our environment. It also meets our low-noise requirements.

“With their double-helix shape, the wind turbines are shaped like a DNA molecule, and that’s a perfect symbol for a biomedical research institute like OMRF,” Mr Morgan added.

Helix

Helix Wind, which is based in Poway, near San Diego, produces vertical-axis turbines including models rated at 300W, 1kW and 2kW, as well as its 4.5kW machines.

Scott Weinbrandt, Chairman, CEO & President of Helix Wind said: “We are excited to be working with our distributor partner, SWG Energy, Inc., and the OMRF team to provide a solution to meet their renewable energy requirements. This unique medical research facility has specific renewable energy needs that Helix Wind, Corp. can provide with its small wind vertical axis technology. This joint effort amongst the teams has resulted in a state of the art roof top mount specifically designed for the medical research facility.”