There are strong indications that the maglev wind turbine is either a hoax or the brain product of a self delusional crackpot inventor: the corresponding website is only accessible with a password and accept for a self-contradictory press release there is no real data available. The aerodynamic design visible from the image is that of the savionus-type, which has half the aerodynamic efficiency of a modern propeller type wind turbine. Even a complete removal of friction losses (which only reduce the output by a very small percentage) that might be achieved by maglev bearings cannot compensate for this primitive design.

Comment by Hans — April 26, 2008 @ 10:42 am

Maglev turbines address several key problems associated with conventional turbines. They don’t need to be over 100 feet tall because they are not affected by turbulence at ground level; similarly they can be installed in a much wider variety of locations; they don’t kill birds; they generate much more energy at low wind speeds AND high wind speeds; they are much quieter; and they cut down on maintenance costs. What’s not to like?

Comment by Paul Loovis — April 7, 2009 @ 6:36 pm