“uåX˜äŠÊ˜·³Ç

A mini vertical axis wind turbine called Wind Flower is the first product to come out of Toshiba's newly established ecosystem engineering division, through which it plans to expand its involvement in wind power and other forms of alternative energy. Wind Flower is a three blade Darrieus system and, according to Toshiba, is one of the few vertical axis wind turbines being commercially manufactured today. The ´1.5 million turbine starts at wind speeds of 2 m/s and generates 400 watts at 12 m/s wind speeds. It is equipped with dual mechanical and electronic braking systems to deal with high winds and includes batteries, control system and a supplementary solar panel. Due to the slow speed of revolution typical of Darrieus type wind turbines, Toshiba says it is quiet and suitable for urban locations. Toshiba Engineering has installed three systems, one in Yokohama and two in Kokubunji Station in Tokyo. As well as developing its own range of small turbines, Toshiba is working with Gamesa Eolica on developing large scale turbines.