Frequently Asked Questions


Q: How does the Helyx™ Urban Turbine™ compare to other wind technologies?

A: The Helyx™ is a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) of the Savonius style (see Wikipedia - Wind Turbine for an excellent and succinct overview of wind turbine types and their relative advantages and disadvantages). Our VAWT overcomes the shortcomings of horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs) and other VAWT designs in many significant ways:

  • HAWTs create noise and vibration that people find unpleasant. Vibration emitted by HAWTs and some VAWTs also causes fatigue and structural failure to the turbines themselves as well as other turbines located downwind. The Oregon Wind Helyx™ runs silently and with negligible vibration, making it appropriate for mounting on top of homes and commercial buildings. Its smooth operation and simple design should make it durable and low-maintenance for decades. Because the Helyx™ creates no turbulence, other turbines nearby remain unaffected. Multiple Helyx™ turbines can be mounted on the same pole or on the same plane (to form a “wind wall” for instance). A linked group of Helyx™ turbines can be grid tied.

  • People complain that the immense size and industrial aesthetic of HAWTs mar natural views. This is also true of many VAWT designs. The Oregon Wind Helyx™ offers flexible sizing and an elegant aesthetic that people find appealing for all settings.

  • Birds cannot see the moving blades of HAWTs and are frequently killed by them. Some of these birds are endangered species. This is also true of some VAWT designs. The Oregon Wind Helyx™ appears to birds as a solid object whether it is spinning or still so that birds naturally avoid it.

  • HAWTs require relatively clean, laminar wind flow in order to operate efficiently, requiring high towers to reach the least turbulent air. Installation is difficult and expensive, often requiring costly cranes and skilled operators. These tall towers, as well as the long blades (up to 180 feet) are difficult to transport. Transportation can now consist of up to 20% of equipment costs. The FAA has raised concerns about how these tall installations affect radar and, therefore, the safety of aircraft. The Oregon Wind Helyx™ can be mounted on top of buildings or close to the ground, allowing for easy installation and maintenance.

  • Because of the enormous costs of building, transporting and installing large HAWTs, siting is critical. They can only work efficiently where the wind is laminar and of a consistently high speed. Because of its double-winged helical shape, the Oregon Wind Helyx™ is self-starting and will spin in any type or direction of wind that reaches a minimum speed of 5.5 miles per hour. It can be sited almost anywhere. It is also lightweight, portable and easy to install. It does not need a separate system to keep it turning into the wind.

  • VAWTs have yet to produce enough power to justify their relatively high cost. We believe the Oregon Wind Helyx’s design and engineering will allow us to keep the cost of manufacturing low while making the product extremely durable. It is our hope that this combination will allow our product to clear the cost-per-watt hurdle without government subsidy. While small Helyx™ units are micro-turbines, designed to produce watts rather than megawatts, they are scalable for larger power needs.

Q: When will the Helyx™ Urban Turbine™ be available for purchase?

A: Hopefully we will bring the Helyx™ to market by the end of 2008. We want to make sure that the product we bring to market is as perfect as possible in design and construction so that it will offer the utmost in efficiency, durability and reliability. Our next step is feasibility testing. Although we planned to begin feasibility testing at Portland State University in summer of 2007, that partnership has been delayed. We are hoping to begin feasibility testing early in 2008.

Q: How much power will the Helyx™ Urban Turbine™ produce?

A: The 42" Helyx™ (HX40) is expected to produce 40 watts at a wind speed of 28 mph. The upcoming feasibility testing will allow us to show exactly how much power it can produce at various wind speeds. Related issues are storage of power and productivity over time; typically this size turbine would be used to charge a battery which in turn provides power, or multiple turbines could be grid tied.

Q: How much will the Helyx™ Urban Turbine™ cost?

A: Although we cannot say for certain at this time, it is our goal to sell the 42" Helyx™ turbine for under $1,000. Our ultimate goal is to sell the Helyx™ at a price low enough that the cost of its purchase, installation and maintenance over time is offset by the power it generates (using market value of "grid" power as the basis of comparison). Since the cost of grid power is undoubtedly going up, buying into renewable energy is a way to "lock in" your rates over time.

Q: Where will feasibility testing take place?

A: Oregon Wind is in the process of setting up development partnerships with several public organizations (TriMet, Metro, PSU, Port of Hood River) as well as several private entities. Feasibility testing will likely take place on the properties of our development partners.

Q: Would Oregon Wind be interested in testing a turbine on my property?

A: We have plenty of sites to gather the data we need at this time, although we are still seeking new development partners who can help us fund feasibility testing and other steps needed to bring this important product to market. If you are interested in purchasing one or more beta versions of the turbine in order to assist with our funding needs, please contact sattie@oregonwind.com.

If you have a question that we haven't answered yet, please contact us.
Thank you for your support and your interest in Oregon Wind!

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