Windstar turbine

The Windstar vertical-axis turbine is a lift-type device with straight blades attached at each end to a central rotating shaft. Windstar turbines were invented by Robert Nason Thomas and developed by Wind Harvest International, Inc., formerly the Wind Harvest Company, based in Point Reyes, California. Windstar turbines are operated as Linear Array Vortex Turbine Systems (LAVTS). Each rotor unit has a dual braking system of pneumatic disc brakes and blade pitch. All Windstar models use off-the-shelf generators, gearboxes, bearings and other components.
History
In 2001 and 2002, three guyed prototype versions of the Windstar Model 530G were installed in Palm Springs, California. The Model 530G prototype used extruded aluminum blades, was supported by a guyed cable system and was rated at 25 kW. The three 530G turbines were placed in close proximity, creating the first Linear Array Vortex Turbine System (LAVTS). The 530G LAVTS was rated at 75 KW and was run...