Not o­nly is it shaped like a dolphin, this new wind-powered generator from Zephyr claims to have the highest electrical output in its class.

Zephyr, a maker specializing in small form factor wind-powered generators, announced that they would begin production in the Fall of next year of the "Air Dolphin," a small wind-powered generator. The planned price of the unit is 300,000 yen (internal controller).

This is a wind-powered generator rated for support of a 1 kilowatt output, a much sought-after figure for the small wind-powered generator industry. It was bourne of the "Project-Z" held in 2002 by the Collaborative Development Association, and is an entirely domestically produced model that was even adopted by businesses that support the Economic Industry Ministry.

Thanks to a newly developed wing shape and carbon-fiber reinforced plastic lightweight blade material, the entire body's weight is under 15kg; it is the lightest model in the 1-kilowatt class of generators, and outputs 1 watt per 15 grams (traditional models output 1 watt per 50-200 grams).

With the newly developed "tail section that moves like a dolphin" controlling the posture of the unit so to achieve maximum output efficiency, and "Power Assist Mechanism" allowing the unit to operate even in extremely small wind conditions, the conversion efficiency for winds in the extremely important mid-region (5-8 meters per second) has been drastically increased to 42%. It also contains a communication function to alert users regarding electric information and maintenance information.



Inspired by:
http://www.itmedia.co.jp/lifestyle/articles/0412/07/news035.html

Press Release:
http://www.zephyreco.co.jp/pressrelease_041201.htm