We have been witnessing a paradigm shift in energy sources and nowadays, alternate sources of energy are being preferred all over the globe. However, while we do usually see solar panels being used at a number of places; finding a household wind turbine is rare. However, The Archimedes, a Rotterdam-based tech firm is hoping to change this approach and has revealed the Liam F1 Urban Wind Turbine.
According to the company, Liam F1 is capable of providing users with 80% of the maximum power that is theoretically feasible. Wait till we bring in some comparison over here folks; most traditional wind turbines clock in at about 25-50% efficiency. Liam F1 weighs 165 pounds and is about 5 ft wide while it looks nothing like a conventional turbine. In fact, it resembles the Nautilus shell and screw pump, which was invented by Greek Mathematician, Archimedes.
The company claims that this peculiar design form allows for least mechanical resistance while allowing for the turbine to work quietly and spin freely. Usually it is the blade noise that the majority complains when wind turbines are installed on rooftops. The design also allows for the Liam F1 to keep pointing in the direction of the wind. 
Apart from the claim to harness 80% of the Betz’ limit, The Archimedes states that; ‘The Liam F1 generates an average of 1,500 kilowatt-hours of energy [per year] at a wind-speed of 5 m/s [16.4 ft/s], which resembles half of the power consumption of a common household.’
The Liam F1 will be available from 1st July, 2014 and according to a posting on the company website (old one); the price will be $5,450. Check out the youtube video below for more details:
Thats a strange looking thing.
Very promising renewable energy. Hope modified design could generate energy from water current.
I would like to see this thing running & would love to have the same for my residence & office. Please update me with its production & detailed working diagram.