by Shane Henson — October 26, 2011—WindSail, a new product by Wind Energy Corporation, promises to not only assist commercial building owners and facilities managers in reducing energy costs in an environmentally friendly way, but to increase business, too.
Wind Energy’s WindSail is designed for commercial buildings. It reacts fast and efficiently to wind turbulence created by buildings. Working with Dean Kamen’s DEKA Research and Development and the aeronautical engineering firm DAR Corporation, the WindSail produces supplemental power for commercial buildings in urban areas.
“The presence of a WindSail makes a strong statement about a retailer’s commitment to sustainability,” said Jim Fugitte, founder and CEO of Wind Energy. “And it will attract more business as studies show that over 50% of consumers prefer brands with a green conscience. The WindSail is an attention-getting, rotating visible symbol for green initiatives. It’s likely that, just by having the WindSail on top of your building, more consumers will support your brand.”
According to the company, the design offers several key benefits that answer common concerns about wind energy solutions:
- Generates electricity on-site: Converts the wind resource to electricity and safely puts it directly into the building’s power system;
- Quiet: Slow rotation creates electricity from torque and is inherently quiet, as the rotational speed does not exceed 80 rpms;
- Bird friendly: Birds see the shape and easily avoid collision;
- Likes turbulence: Always facing into the wind, allowing the WindSail to quickly react to changes in wind direction;
- Makes a visual statement: Can be installed near or on the building it serves, customized with logos, graphics and color. It projects leadership in sustainability.
- Quiet: Slow rotation creates electricity from torque and is inherently quiet, as the rotational speed does not exceed 80 rpms;
According to the company, the first step in integrating alternative energy technologies into a building is determining the right equation for each location. Wind Energy offers a Wind & Solar Assessment tool that measures wind resources near the building where a WindSail might be installed. The tool provides an estimate of the WindSail’s expected electrical output in that location, while also measuring the solar resources.