[dennisw]

Tesla patented this almost 100 years ago, interesting concept if I understand it correctly. This could reduce the bird chopping ginsu blades and low frequency thumping of the current turbines we are using. It is probably much safer for all involved also if you have ever seen one of the current style turbines self destruct.

Vertical axis windmills should be looked into more. They go back thousands of years and I doubt they will chop up birds. Much simpler to build. Build them at ground level, don't mess with expensive towers. I would build two or three close to the ground instead of one tower. I would use tough nylon canvas for sails. It could be made very cheap 

And they are good for supplying a houses electricity...some of it at least

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnJ3apXUNcI

 

Figure 1 A Sketch of an early Persian Vertical Axis Windmill.

[Abathar]

I have seen sketches of those used for water pumping from a long long time ago. The only problem they have is if you have a Midwest thunderstorm come through without being there to stop it chances are you will be picking it out of your neighbors tree.

[patton]

The problem with the Persians is that they really ARE engineers.