The U.S. market for small wind turbines — those rated 100 kilowatts or less — grew 15% in 2009 with the installation of about 10,000 new units, according to the AWEA Small Wind Turbine Global Market Study in 2010.  In the same report, AWEA found that the largest manufacturer of these turbines in terms of kilowatts sold is Arizona-based Southwest Windpower.  I had the opportunity to email with the company’s marketing director, Miriam Robbins, and she was kind enough to share what’s new with Southwest Windpower.

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There’s a lot of innovation in the wind technology sector and this bladeless concept could be a game changer in the next few years.  In fact, “Turbine-free wind power” was placed on the NY Times Magazine‘s annual Year in Ideas list with this video explaining the idea.

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A mixed-use project in Chicago has been getting a lot of attention for its green elements.  Most noticeable, perhaps, is the beveled corner that holds 12 vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWT) by Helix Wind.  The turbines are stacked in two columns on the building’s southwest corner and were included in the HOK designed-facade to cover all exterior lighting costs.

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Southwest Windpower, maker of the Skystream 3.7, unveiled a new version of the popular turbine at CES 2011 called Skystream 600.  The turbine features an improved design with larger blades, enhanced software, and an improved integrated inverter.  And, according to a press release, Skystream 600 will be the “first fully smart grid-enabled wind turbine” on the market when available in April 2011.

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There’s a plot of land on 18th Street and Broadway Boulevard in Kansas City.  In time, the owner intends to use it for something commercial or residential, but, in the mean time, 360 Architecture helped transform the land with an interim solution.  18Broadway is now a demonstration of storm water management, urban agriculture, and energy independence on one city block.

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