Thursday, February 10, 2011

Kent Micro Wind power firm wins award

First time Rushlight Awards entrant Luethi Enterprises Ltd is delighted to have won both of the categories they entered.

The Rushlight Wind Power Award was earned for the company’s patented 500W Silent Wind Turbine, which is a robust and efficient power solution for remote regions. The mechanical speed regulator ensures that the Silent Wind Turbine continues to produce maximum power – even in high winds, when other wind turbines have to be switched off. 100% of the power yielded is available for the end user, as there are no electronics requiring power. The simplicity and durability of the design means it’s ideal for remote applications.

Proof of this clever-but-simple technology can be seen in an early pre-production prototype installed at a farm in Nottinghamshire. This turbine powers an LED streetlight non-stop. The turbine has been in place for over four years, and has not required any maintenance or repairs – despite numerous storms in the area over that time.

The Rushlight Waste Recycling Award celebrates the Luethi Enterprises’ use of recycled plastic barrels to create cheap wind power for developing countries. Enquiries for efficient, cost-effective wind turbines saw Matthew Luethi acquiring used 220L plastic barrels. He then cuts the blades from this in a unique way that creates lift – and maximum power. This wind turbine requires very little breeze in order to achieve its 250W output, and a sample of this registered design is currently in transit to Ghana for evaluation by a charitable organisation.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have won both these Awards – especially as it’s the first time we’ve entered!” says Matthew Luethi, the Inventor and Managing Director of Luethi Enterprises Limited.

“It’s great to be able to celebrate our success to date, but the hard work doesn’t stop here. I’ve been working away at this project in my garage for a number of years now, and it’s time for a production partner to come on board, so that this business can grow and flourish.”

“I’ve got so many orders, but I just can’t make them all myself,” says Matthew Luethi. “The company needs a production partner to come on board that’s willing to work collaboratively with us. Like many small businesses, the unwillingness of banks to lend money for expansion are an issue, so we’re looking for a more synergistic and creative approach.”

The ambitions of Luethi Enterprises do not stop with micro wind generation.

“Our technology is totally scalable. We’re starting our learnings with small, low-cost turbines, and our developments can then be applied to larger, more powerful units.”

“Many of the requests we’ve received so far are from people or organisations who need power in remote locations, be it for street lighting, emergency lighting, CCTV, heating water, or powering battery banks in eco-houses.”

Another application for the silent wind turbines that’s currently being tested is to power water pumps.

Luethi Enterprises Limited was established in 2005 by Swiss-born Matthew Luethi, who is a retired farmer. The company is headquartered in Kent , England http://www.silentwindturbine.com/

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