Seven unique small-wind turbines

Small-wind turbines (SWTs) have been around for decades, but the industry is finally maturing. Interest in the distributed-power generators is coming from industries such as telecommunications and defense. Pike Research forecasts that global installations of SWTs will grow from an estimated 85.8 MW in 2012 to 172 MW in 2018, adding up to $3.3 billion in revenues. With an expanded network of deals worldwide, we’re bound to see more of these popping up around us. Here are a few:

Turbines at Logan International Airport in Boston produced fewer kilowatt hours than anticipated in May and June.

1. These small wind turbines at Logan International Airport in Boston were featured in The New York Times.

2. With the Sky Serpent, a design by Doug Selsam, 25 turbines are better than one.

3. Cascade Engineering says the Swift wind turbine reduces noise and can be attached directly to a home.

4. With blades designed to resemble maple leaves, the Windancer is compact and noise-free.

5. Swedish company Home Energy created the Energy Ball, which is combines vertical axis, helical, miniature, and three-blade designs.

6. Helix Wind builds two VAWTS. “Rugged. Durable. Beautiful,” the company says.

7. Optimal Power Solutions built a hybrid system in the Caribbean islands that features eight 15-kW wind turbines and approximately 240 kWp of solar PV.