First-Of-Its-Kind Plastic Windmule

First-Of-Its-Kind Plastic Windmule ENERGY Wind Power 5-1-32 Meet the new Windmule - the first "plastic". windmill on the market. Shaped like a barrel, it generates a full 10 KW of power with just a 10 mph wind, thanks to its exclusive omni-directional "flaps" that catch the wind from every angle. "The design lets wind pass through the drum. It pushes once going in and again going out, rather than just once as with conventional windmill blades," explains Ken Eberhardt, of Vartec International, Overland Park, Kan., manufacturer of the new Windmule. Located at the base of the wind "barrel" (made from rock hard G.E. Lexan polycarbonate) and belt driven off the wind-driven drive shaft, are three alternators. They generate direct current that's transmitted to a Vartec transformer and battery power pack which can be located anywhere near the base of the windmill. According to Eberhardt, the new Vartec solid state transformer is also the first of its kind on the market and the key to the new windmill's success. "Most transformers are no more than 68% efficient. We've measured this new unit at 96% efficiency. It increases power output of the system by nearly a third. Power leaves the transformer as 110-V or 220-V alternating current, which is suitable for most household appliances." The Windmule needs at least 8 mph winds to operate. When wind speed falls below that level, a back-up diesel, propane or natural gas generator kicks in automatically. Circular towers are supplied in 20, 30, 40 and 50-ft. heights, depending on location, with the owner supplying a concrete mounting pad. The Windmule can be installed by a licensed local electrician and sells for $10,000 installed. The $2,150 standby generator is optional. For more information, contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Vartec International, 12723 West 118 Street, Overland Park, Kan. 66210 (ph 913 492-4440).

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