As you can probably imagine we have built up quite a set of questions about Alpha 311 and our turbines.
Although those questions have come from 160 countries around the world, we’ve noticed that a handful of queries come up time and again.
So, here are the answers to some of those frequently asked questions.
The turbine
What is the Alpha 311 wind turbine?
It’s an update on the vertical axis wind turbine design. The Alpha 311 wind turbine can be retrospectively installed onto a lighting column or other fixed pole or structure.
Why put them on a motorway?
There are two ways to generate more energy from a wind turbine. You either make it bigger (hence the massive turbines you see out at sea or in the countryside) or you increase the air impacting it. By placing the Alpha 311 turbines on the motorway, we can use the airflow from traffic on either carriageway. This increases the airflow impacting on the turbine. If you can double the wind speed, then you can increase the amount of energy generated by up to a factor of eight.
Won’t your turbines impact cars as they drive past and slow them down?
No. Cars displace air when they move and have already expelled that energy. The turbine has no more impact on another vehicle than you do when you stand by the side of the road.
Can you install them anywhere else?
Yes! We’re talking to companies interested in installing them onto buildings, bridges, cell phone towers and even alongside railway lines.
What size are the turbines?
We have built two differing units to date: one specifically for roadside and commercial use, with another more compact unit.
The details
How much wind do they need to turn?
Our turbines will start turning in winds of just 4mph.
How do your turbines generate energy?
We use a direct-drive magnetic motor. That means there’s only magnetic resistance and weight to overcome for the turbine to start turning.
How do you know the science is right?
We’re working with experts at several universities who specialise in thermal and fluid dynamics to perfect the design.
How much energy can they produce?
We do not follow the industry standard of quoting the total output of the generator which assumes the turbine is operational 24/7 all year round, we like to be a little more realistic. We estimate that the turbines will produce a daily average of 10kWh per unit. After all, it’s not always windy.
Will they have an impact on wildlife?
Because we’re installing on the motorway, wildlife tends to keep clear, but as our turbines have a much smaller physical footprint, we expect to have a minimal impact on wildlife.
Are your turbines noisy?
No, the turbines are not noisy. Our prototypes are less than 20dB. To give some context, a normal conversation is around 55dB, and whispering is about 25dB.
I am interested
How much will the turbines cost?
We’re hope to eventually operate a model where the turbines can be leased to customers at a monthly rate, but we are currently focusing on the sale of turbines.
What colour are the turbines?
So far, we’ve manufactured units in black, white and blue, but we could make them in any colour.
How can I invest? Are you on the stock market?
We aren’t listed on any stock exchanges. If you’re interested in investing, let us know and we’ll get back to you.
Can I have one?
It’s very windy where I live, when can I buy one for my house?
Domestic versions of the turbine are on our roadmap, but our priority at this time is delivering to those industries that have high electrical usage. Everyone who has registered for our newsletter will be the first to know when we expect to start a residential version.
Do you have other questions we haven’t answered here? Get in touch!