Helix Wind launching wind-powered cellphone tower trials in US and Africa
Helix Wind, a company that produces some very distinctive-looking wind turbines, is getting ready to start new trials in the US and Africa. These trials will involve testing the vertical wind turbines as a source of power for cellphone towers in areas where they may be off the grid, and carry much higher operating costs. The turbines should produce enough energy to power the cellphone towers, and pay for themselves within about six months. The trials are set to start at the end of the month with local Nigerian provider Eltek NSG as a main participant.
[Via Inhabitat]
[Via Inhabitat]

















I can't help but think that this has something to do with The Patriots.
Gene therapy.
Nanomachines.
LIQUUUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIID.
BROOOOTHEEEERRRRRRR
The BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG BROTHEEEEEEEEEER
Kay, but where's the datalink come from?
Point 2 point microwave
http://focus.ti.com/docs/solution/folders/print/513.html
This is actually pretty interesting. Can't wait to hear more about this project! :D
looks cool as shit. how tall is it?
From the FAQ:
Q: What are the dimensions?
A: Helix wind turbines currently come in two sizes, the S322 and the S594. The S322 stands about 10 feet tall and 4 feet in diameter (3.2m x 1.2m). The S594 stands about 20 feet tall and 4 feet in diameter (6.4m x 1.2m).
I want one in my back yard.
I'm so glad I sent my life savings to Prince Clarence Bobo in Nigeria now. Return on investment, WOoHOO!
Wait, I sent him MY life savings!! Whats going on here?
It doesn't matter - I've won the Spanish National Lottery!
@fx.dr
thanks, website wouldn't load at work.
they seem like a very good idea, seem to generate a ton of power for a relatively small area. they look to require less space than the ones with fan blades.
No iPhones allowed on the wind-powered cellphone tower! You'll suck up all the energy.
The main problem of course is celltower terrorism that jailbroken iPhones can cause.
@Tenminute hobo
Only if you unlock the iphone. Jail breaking it doesn't mean you unlock your phone, It's one of the many things it can provide.
place a rooster on top and we're good to go.
Clearly inspired by the 14 y/o wonderkid from the other day (homemade windmill electricity generator in Africa).
I want one for my house......
I want 2 for my house...
I want 3 for my house
Will take 4 plz - for my house
They look beautiful.
what this guys meant to say is...
I'll take 5 for my house
Interesting I'm actually conducting research at the moment on street lighting based on vertical axis wind turbines.I'll publish my conclusions in about 22 weeks time....so mabe I'll steal theirs.MUHAHA
I wonder how many bats this thing will kill ?
Not sure about bats, but it should kill a whole lot less birds than the standard prop design.
So the next time it gets really windy outside, my cell phone will start working and my satellite will lose picture.
Welcome to the future!
It's good to know someone at last is constructing additional pylons.
There is a fine example of this near Pensacola, FL
I'll take seis for my house por favor
It is a cool idea. I hope it works.
The Best Buy in Eden Prairie MN has these already
Why don't I have cell reception? Oh...the wind died...
Sorry to burst your bubble, but VAWTs (vertical axis wind turbines) are a scam. Ever wonder why they don't use them in commercial wind farms are even on small farms? Because they are very inefficient. The design has been around for 150 plus years and companies over the years use them to solicit government subsidies and sell them to people who think they "look kewl" and are something new, usually when energy prices are high. A horizontal axis with a two or three spoke turbine would work much better.
I just noticed it's taking place in Nigeria. No scams there...
For the typical home though it takes up a hell of a lot less space. Whereas to capture more wind the fins must get bigger and longer, a vertical one just needs to get taller. They're installing a vertical turbine in an 11 story parking garage around here and it's supposed to go almost the entire height of the bulilding on a corner. It hardly takes any additional space and aesthetically fits right in.
This is what is is about, the free market driving change and progress, which just happens to coincidence with a "green movement." No need for subsidies or laws here.
For future reference: The U.S. is a Country. Africa is a continent. Can we be a little more specific? Or at the very least say North America and Africa.
Great! Two places (a country and a continent) where we deal with development "challenges" finally can hope for help!
(ok, bash me, but the US really _IS_ a developing nation if it comes to cell phone networks!)
You know, I can see a group of people complaining in the distant future about how thousands of wind, solar and alternative energy devices are changing weather patterns due to their spinning blades, heat conductive nature within a given area or whatever.
Are there some of these on a large building around junction 12/13/14 on the M25 south of Heathrow?
Coverage in that area blows
Similar turbines allready available in Finland. Take a look at company below.
http://www.cypresswind.com/index.php?k=11170
That's allready done in Portugal for a long time...