Jellyfish Wind Turbine – What Happened To It?

What Happened To the Jellyfish Wind Turbine?

Huge amounts of questions had been asked lately about what happened to the Jellyfish Wind Turbine? You may recall the large buzz which was going around in the industry last year about inventor Chad Maglaque’s small residential Plug-In Jellyfish wind turbine which also made it into the finals of Google’s Project 10 to the 100 Contest. Unfortunately, Google’s public vote did not decide in Jellyfish’s favour and Chad Maglaques’s invention did not make it into the last five which received the available prices of funding of their projects.

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However, it is good news and good to hear that Chad Maglaque’s company Clarian managed to pull off the completion of development for the Jellyfish without any of Google’s prize money and an announcement had been made on Clarian’s homepage:

The answer is simple.

The Jellyfish Wind Turbine has been renamed to The SmartBox™ and is about to be launched for sale and according to Clarian, the manufacturer’s website, they expect the newly named The SmartBox™ Wind Turbine to be available in stores in late 2011. According to Clarian, pricing will be very competitive with existing micro-wind turbines and is expected to be retailing below $800. If you would like to sign up for updates about Clarian’s The SmartBox™ Wind Turbine, then please click here.

Please read on for a detailed overview with information found on Clarian’s homepage www.clarianpower.com/wind.html

Wind Power Has Never Been Easier – Just Plug It In!

The SmartBox™ Wind Turbine is a plug-in Wind Turbine that’s affordable and easy to install – anyone can do it.

Calrian’s patent-pending SmartBox™ technology allows homeowners to plug wind power into an existing outlet without the expense and hassle of larger turn-key systems.

Do-It-Yourself Wind Power

  • The SmartBox™ Wind package includes everything you need to start generating power – the SmartBox™ Wind Turbine with built-in micro-inverter, mounting hardware, Clarian’s SmartBox™ Gateway and all the necessary power cables
  • Portable and plugs into any outlet – just like a home appliance – with the power you can use anywhere in your home
  • Unlike existing wind turbines, the SmartBox™ Wind Turbine has built-in circuit protection and doesn’t require a dedicated electrical panel
  • Up and running in a few hours – no contractors, no installers, no additional wiring and no drywall to tear out
  • Same cost as a household appliance with a payback in 5-8 years or less after rebates and tax credits
  • Web-based tracking and monitoring with onboard Wi-Fi

It’s About Slowing Down the Power Meter and Conserving Energy…

The 400W SmartBox™ Wind Turbine produces enough clean, renewable energy to offset the cost of lighting an average home. And the SmartBox Wind Turbine is modular, so whenever you’re ready for more power, just plug in one of Clarian’s SmartBox™ Solar Modules!

Getting Connected Has Never Been Easier!

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Installation
Installing the SmartBox Wind Turbine takes only a few hours. Step 1: Install the SmartBox™ Gateway. Step 2: Plug the SmartBox™ Wind Turbine into any outlet – just like a home appliance. Step 3: Start generating power. And whenever you’re ready for more, just plug in one of Clarian’s SmartBox™ solar modules!

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Pricing and Availability

Clarian expects to have the SmartBox Wind Turbine available in stores in late 2011. Pricing will be competitive with existing micro-wind turbines and is expected to be under $800. Please sign up below for updates.

Be the First to Get One!

Clarian is getting ready to take pre-orders on the SmartBox Wind Turbine and if you are interested in reserving one, please let Clarian know by signing up below and Clarian will contact you.

Get the Latest News

Get all the latest news and updates by joining Clarian’s Facebook page and following Clarian on Twitter.

Jellyfish Wind Turbine – Product Description

The SmartBox Wind Turbine is a 48-inch tall vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) that plugs directly into an existing electrical outlet and automatically generates power whenever the wind is blowing. The SmartBox Wind Turbine can be mounted directly to the side of a home, on a rooftop or wind tower, or even existing street lights. And, it can generate up to 40 kWh per month in moderate winds enough to light an average home using energy-efficient light bulbs. Expected to cost under $800, the SmartBox Wind Turbine is a cost-effective option for homeowners and small business owners looking to harness wind power for the first time. Working in tandem with the existing power grid, Working in tandem with the existing power grid, the SmartBox Wind Turbine works to conserve energy by producing enough clean, renewable wind power to offset a portion of the power being consumed in your home.

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Using a proven rotor design that automatically adjusts to wind gusts, the SmartBox Wind Turbine ensures quiet, safe, reliable operation and runs no matter which way the wind is blowing. The elegant helical design combines form and function, allowing it to fit easily into existing urban environments. With built-in circuit protection, the SmartBox Wind Turbine’s unique Smartbox™ Gateway design ensures years of safe, reliable operation with efficiency comparable to turn-key systems that cost thousands of dollars more. And because the SmartBox Wind Turbine combines the same principles and proven technology used throughout the wind power industry – only on a smaller scale, the SmartBox Wind Turbine can be plugged directly into the existing power grid without special wiring or expensive controls – you literally just plug it into the wall, anywhere there’s power. With only one moving part and no brushes to worn out, it’s virtually maintenance-free. Plus, the anti-islanding features inherent in its design protects local utility workers in the event of a power outage – if the grid shuts down, the SmartBox Wind Turbine immediately stops generating power, again without the need for any special wiring or controls. And with built-in Wi-Fi, the SmartBox Wind Turbine also allows customers to track and monitor production online.

Frequently Asked Questions

There a lot of wind turbines on the market. How is the SmartBox Wind Turbine different from other wind turbines?

In two words: simplicity and cost. The SmartBox of the Jellyfish Wind Turbine is designed to be simple to set up and install. You simply install it to the side of your home or on your rooftop and then just plug it in – the SmartBox Wind Turbine starts generating power right away. And, the SmartBox Wind Turbine is affordable. Unlike turn-key systems that cost thousands of dollars to install and require a dedicated circuit panel, the SmartBox Wind Turbine allows homeowners to plug wind power into an existing outlet. Expected to cost under $800, it takes 5-8 years or less to pay back the cost of the SmartBox Wind Turbine after rebates and tax credits.

Is the SmartBox Wind Turbine available for purchase and where can I buy one?

The SmartBox Wind Turbine is still in development as Clarian work to ensure that it is compliant with all applicable safety and regulatory requirements. Clarian expect to make them available through home improvement centres and major retailers and look forward to providing more details about Clarian’s progress in the near future.

Is a 220V/240V 50 Hz model available for use in Europe, Africa and Asia?

Yes, Clarian is planning to manufacture a 220V/240V model for Europe, Africa and Asia shortly after the product is launched in North America.

How much money will the SmartBox Wind Turbine save me?

Each 400W SmartBox Wind Turbine unit will save you between $50-$60 a year on your electrical bill. (note: actual savings will depend on local energy costs and will vary from region to region. savings quoted assume an energy cost of $0.12/kW)

Does the SmartBox Wind Turbine qualify for federal and state tax credits and rebates?

Yes, the SmartBox Wind Turbine qualifies for a 30% federal tax credit and in some cases, local and state tax credits and rebates. (local tax credits and rebates will vary by state. For more details about local tax credits and rebates, check with your local utility commission or state government.)

How long would it take to recoup the cost of buying a SmartBox Wind Turbine?

Typically it would take around 5-8 years or less to recoup the cost of the SmartBox Wind Turbine after rebates and tax credits.

Can the SmartBox Wind Turbine provide backup power in the event of a power outage?

The SmartBox Wind Turbine is not intended to provide backup power when there’s a power outage since the safety features built into the SmartBox Wind Turbine prevent it from generating power during a power outage. Clarian is, however, planning to offer a dedicated back-up battery power supply with a built-in utility disconnect that can be used with the SmartBox Wind Turbine to provide power during power outages.

Can the SmartBox Wind Turbine be used to charge a battery bank for off-grid systems?

The SmartBox Wind Turbine provides grid-ready AC power and is not intended to charge battery banks for off-grid systems, since micro-wind turbines are normally connected directly to the DC power bus in an off-grid system. Clarian is, however, planning to offer a dedicated back-up battery power supply with AC power output and a built-in utility disconnect that can be used with the SmartBox Wind Turbine to provide short-term off-grid power.

I already have an off-grid system. Can the SmartBox Wind Turbine be used with my existing system?

The SmartBox Wind Turbine produces grid-ready AC power output and is not intended for existing off-grid systems, since micro-wind turbines are normally connected directly to the DC power bus in an off-grid system. Clarian is, however, planning to offer a dedicated back-up battery power supply with AC power output and a built-in utility disconnect that can be used with the SmartBox Wind Turbine to provide short-term off-grid power.

Can the SmartBox Wind Turbine be used with my RV?

It depends on the configuration. The SmartBox Wind Turbine produces grid-ready AC power and may not work with all RV power systems since RV power systems normally draw power from either shore power or a generator, or directly from the DC power bus. It’s best to consult with your RV manufacturer or RV operating manual. Clarian is, however, planning to offer a dedicated back-up battery power supply with AC power output and a built-in utility disconnect that can be used with the SmartBox Wind Turbine to provide short-term off-grid power

What about safety in the event of a power outage? How would utility workers be protected if the SmartBox Wind Turbine is still generating power during a power outage?

Safety of utility line workers is paramount and the SmartBox Wind Turbine has built-in circuit protection, uses a micro-inverter that meets all safety and certification requirements required by local power utilities. The anti-islanding features inherent in the design of the SmartBox Wind Turbine protects local utility workers in the event of a power outage – if the power grid is shut down, the SmartBox Wind Turbine immediately stops generating power. In fact, it’s not possible for the SmartBox Wind Turbine to generate power without the power grid being up and active.

Is it OK to put unregulated power back onto the power grid? Won’t that cause difficulty for the local power utility?

The SmartBox Wind Turbine uses a micro-inverter that meets all safety and certification requirements required by local power utilities. The unique design of the SmartBox Wind Turbine ensures that power supplied to your home and to the electrical power grid is phase-matched to the power supplied by your local power utility.

What about safety for homeowners?

Safety of homeowners is paramount and the SmartBox Wind Turbine has built-in circuit protection, uses a micro-inverter that meets all safety and certification requirements, including National Electrical Code (NEC 690) requirements.

Is it OK to plug power directly into an electrical outlet? Won’t that overload the circuit?

The SmartBox Wind Turbine is limited to 1000W total output, which is well below the rating of a typical 15 Amp circuit. Furthermore, Clarian’s patent-pending SmartBox(tm) technology provides built-in circuit protection. If there is ever an overload condition on the circuit, the SmartBox Wind Turbine will immediately stop generating power – within milliseconds – the same way it would in the event of a power failure.

What about maintenance and upkeep?

With only one moving part and no brushes the SmartBox Wind Turbine is virtually maintenance-free. Using the same proven design found in existing micro-inverters, the SmartBox Wind Turbine should only need a periodic inspection from time-to-time to ensure that it’s in proper working order.

What it is the life expectancy of the SmartBox Wind Turbine?

The SmartBox Wind Turbine is designed to last 15-20 years or more.

How many SmartBox Wind Turbines can I connect to a single outlet?

Though most people will install just one, you can connect up to 2 SmartBox Wind Turbines (up to a total of 1000W per electrical circuit) to a single outlet and the modular design of the SmartBox Wind Turbine allows you to daisy-chain them together.

Can I plug the SmartBox Wind Turbine into more than one outlet?

Yes, you can connect up to 2 SmartBox Wind Turbines (up to a total of 1000W per electrical circuit) to one or more outlets.

More about the Jellyfish Wind Turbine

Can I combine the SmartBox Wind Turbine with the SmartBox solar module?

Yes, you can connect up to 3 SmartBox Solar Modules and 1 SmartBox Wind Turbine (up to a total of 1000W per electrical circuit) to one or more outlets.

Can I use two 1kW systems in the same house?

Yes, you will need two separate circuits to make it work, but you can connect up to 5 SmartBox Solar Modules or 2 SmartBox Wind Turbines (up to a total of 1000W per electrical circuit) to one or more outlets.

How far can the SmartBox Wind Turbine be away from an outlet?

The SmartBox Wind Turbine can be located up to a maximum of 75 ft from an outlet, however, it should be located as close as possible to an outlet to minimize line losses.

Does the cost of the SmartBox Wind Turbine include the wind turbine or just the power module?

The SmartBox Wind Turbine package includes everything you need to start generating power – the SmartBox Wind Turbine™ with built-in micro-inverter, mounting hardware, Clarian’s SmartBox™ Gateway and all the necessary power cables.

I already have my own micro-wind turbine, will the micro-inverter and SmartBox™ be sold separately?

Yes, Clarian plan to sell the power module and SmartBox™ Gateway as a standalone package.

Do I have to have a two-way net-meter installed? If the SmartBox Wind Turbine produces more power than my home is using at any given time, will it spin the electric meter backwards?

No, you shouldn’t need a separate net-meter installed. The SmartBox Wind Turbine is about slowing the meter down and conserving energy. Under normal circumstances, net-metering does not apply. If the SmartBox Wind Turbine temporarily produces more power than your home is consuming – for example, when your home is empty or if you’re away for the weekend – your electric meter may spin backwards for a brief period of time, but then once you return it will start running forward again.

Jellyfish Wind Turbine

Will the SmartBox Wind Turbine work in my home without an Internet connection?

Yes, the SmartBox Wind Turbine will work without an Internet connection. An Internet connection is only required for product registration and to take advantage of the SmartBox Wind Turbine’s optional online monitoring and tracking features.

How much wind is required for the SmartBox Wind Turbine to begin generating power?

The minimum wind speed for the SmartBox Wind Turbine is 5 mph and it will generate about 30-40kWh per month with an average wind speed of 12 mph.

What about high winds and wind gusts? Are there any safety issues?

The SmartBox Wind Turbine’s onboard control unit closely monitors wind speed and operation and automatically shuts down the generator in high winds to prevent any damage to the turbine or your property.

What about the noise?

The SmartBox Wind Turbine does not turn until the wind speed reaches at least 5 mph. On calm, quiet days, the wind turbine will likely not be audible. When the rotor is turning, the sound of the wind passing over the blades will barely be audible over ambient background noise or other noises caused by the wind – such as wind blowing through trees, around buildings, flag and utility poles, etc.

What about birds and wildlife? Could they be hurt or injured?

As a company focused on promoting sustainability, Clarian take this issue seriously. Because of its unique design, the SmartBox of the Jellyfish Wind Turbine spins at roughly half the speed of a typical wind turbine, greatly reducing the likelihood of injury to birds and wildlife. And while there is always the risk of injury to birds and wildlife with any structure such power lines, utility poles, pane glass windows, communication towers, fences, lighthouses, tall buildings, etc., to put this perspective, the latest research has found that wind power-related avian fatalities represent between 0.01% to 0.02% (i.e., 1 out of every 5,000 to 10,000) of all birds killed in the United States and the impact of wind power on bird and wildlife populations has been found to be negligible. And finally, there have been no reports to date of residential-sized wind turbines injuring or killing birds or wildlife.