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As you may know we're not a big fan of small wind turbines (at least compared with solar PV) and we're even less a fan of alternator powered wind turbines (PMA turbines).

Luckily our friend Alex at Open4Energy uncovered a product advertising false information in a small wind turbine called the DyoCore.  From his post titled DyoCore SolAir Hybrid Wind Generator - Scam Review:

I was reading about a problem with California's rebates for distributed wind energy, in particular a comment filed by the (DWEA) Distributed Wind Energy Association - Docket No. 02-REN-1038 - which states "weaknesses ... have allowed unscrupulous companies to perpetrate a significant fraud that threatens the entire program. DWEA specifically cites the following problems: DyoCore (1.6 kW at 18 mph) added with an efficiency of 275% … 2.7 times the total kinetic energy in the wind, 4.6 times the theoretical maximum possible efficiency, and 9 times efficiency of the leading small turbines on the market … which is totally impossible!"

But this isn't just fun and games, the citizens of California's hard-earned tax money is being wasted because the folks in the California Energy Commission (CEC) were slow to recognize that the DyoCore product was a joke.  Again, from Alex's article:

You might want to take a look at this article by Earth Techling to see the latest in the state vs. DyoCore - "So how much damage has DyoCore reportedly done with its alleged fraud? The complaint alleges 33 systems using DyoCore turbines have been installed and $515,385 in rebates paid. Another 249 rebate reservations for systems using DyoCore turbines – rebates totaling $6,393,544 – were approved but have not been paid. Pending are yet another 1,069 applications, which if approved would cost California $31,220,976.

The CEC realized it made some huge errors in the program, mainly that it allowed manufacturers to provide their own, unverified operating data, and put the wind turbine generator rebate program on hold for awhile.  It's back now, with only 4 approved wind turbine generators.

I usually don't link to companies whose products we dont recommend, but I have to in this case, because the "product" images have a high entertainment value.  So without further adieu, here is the link to the DyoCore page: http://www.dyocore.com/

Bottom Line to both consumers and government/utility entities looking at buying energy efficient products: If you aren't an engineer get one to check out your miracle energy product before you buy.  If you don't know any, email the product and your questions to info@mapawatt.com.  We'll be happy to take a look!