Feb 17 2011
Mass Megawatts Wind Power, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: MMMW) announces the introduction of lightweight steel as an option for our customers.
Wood framing has been primarily used in residential construction for many years and will continue to be an option for customers upon request. Commercial construction has traditionally used masonry and steel methods including lightweight steel for framing building related structures. Either wood or steel can be used and meet the codes for strength.
Steel is uniform in strength and can be shaped or welded to fit specific applications. It is non-combustible, insect-resistant, and does not decay. There is some standardization across the industry with connectors and wiring. However, in many large scale applications, wood framing may prove to be a more cost effective option in specific applications.
In another recent development, Mass Megawatts implemented a change from the vertical-axis blade to the traditional, propeller-style horizontal-axis blade. This will be the mass production model for future MATs. The blades will be small, light-weight and made of durable construction. For now, they can be purchased "off the shelf", but eventually the company intends to mass produce them along with other parts of the MAT.
A most important benefit from this technology is the elimination of the need for a gearbox. By using the wind augmenter and smaller blades, the rpm of the blades will be of such speed to allow for direct connection to an induction generator. As is well known in the industry, gearboxes are a significant source of problems and machine failure. Omission of this step in the electricity generation process will further reduce cost and maintenance. Other benefits from this updated design include lower height specifications, reduced noise and vibrations, ease of construction and maintenance, ability to be located on more difficult and lower wind speed sites.
Source: http://www.massmegawatts.com/