Zephyr's Next-Generation Small Wind Turbine Airdolphin Mark-Zero -- Now Shipping; Non-Stop Power Generation from a Breeze to 50 m/s Winds.

TOKYO -- At the end of February, Zephyr Corporation (based in Tokyo; Ryosuke Ito, president) begins worldwide sales of a small wind turbine with a radical new concept: the Airdolphin Mark-Zero.

Features      --  Rated power output: 1kW (wind speed 12.5m/s)
                --  Maximum power output: 3.2kW (wind speed 20.0m/s)
                --  Propeller diameter: 1.8 meters
                --  Off-grid / Grid (utility)-tied: Either options
                    supported
                --  Weight: 17.5Kg

  Market price  --  472,500 yen (suggested domestic retail price, tax
                    included)

The Airdolphin is capable of generating power under conditions ranging from light breeze to gale-force winds. Generating power even in hurricane conditions is something that up until now has been considered too dangerous. The Airdolphin achieves the seemingly contradictory goals of being both a as well high power as a safer and more durable turbine. (Non-stop power generation between 2.5m/s and 50m/s wind speed) Extensive tests have shown that the Airdolphin actually generates more power in variable wind conditions, even when the average wind speed is small. This revolutionary finding suggests that the Airdolphin can actually be more cost-effective than large wind turbines. The Airdolphin could contribute substantially to the development of the industry by showing the way to new possibilities in worldwide small wind turbine generation. The Airdolphin generates 100-120kWh per month for an average wind speed of 6m/s, resulting in an effective annual CO2 reduction of 800Kg / or more.

New Internally-developed technologies used on the Airdolphin
(patents pending)

1. Lightweight turbine design: Facilitates installation and placement
   and improves dynamic wind captureability for increased power
   generation efficiency.

2. Multi-stagger propeller design: Combines Toray Industries' carbon
   fiber skin with the latest manufacturing technology for a rigid,
   lightweight propeller. The theoretical design of the propeller was
   conducted jointly by Tokyo University and the National Institute
   of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology.

3. Propeller blade noise reduced by 1/5: Thanks to our in-house Silent
   Disruptor technology, turbines can be safely installed in
   residential areas without having to worry about noise.

4. New rudder design: Makes it possible to instantaneously follow
   changes in wind direction, dramatically improving power generation
   efficiency.

5. No-screw housing: Rigid, corrosion resistant aluminum die cast
   body, assembled using traditional Japanese construction methods
   for even greater durability.

6. Power-assist rotation: In the absence of wind, the turbine boosts
   itself with a starter motor once a minute for ten seconds,
   creating enough aerodynamic lift to catch even a small breeze and
   keep on turning. This function also helps to prevent freezing in
   winter.

7. Zephyr Power Management System

    (a) Non-stop output operation: 1kW-rated output is just another
    point within Airdolphin's wide output range. Power is continuously
    generated from a wind speed of 2.5m/s to 50m/s. During strong
    winds, internal software in the Airdolphin automatically moderates
    its spinning speed. Once the wind speed reduces, the Airdolphin
    returns to normal operation mode. Tests have proven that the
    Airdolphin provides a better investment return than large wind
    turbines, with a 30m/s wind speed generating as much as 40% or
    more of its rated output.

    (b) Built-in safety control circuit: To prevent breakdown, the
    Airdolphin is able to control its output in response to various
    conditions including operation of the electrical brake, turbine
    temperature, electrical part temperature, abnormal operation,
    excessive output, excessive voltage and improper use.

    (c) High-efficiency operation: To provide high-efficiency
    operation over an unprecedentedly wide wind power spectrum,
    internal control software adapts the control programming in
    accordance with the rotation of the propeller. With an approximate
    6m/s wind speed, the Airdolphin achieves a generating efficiency
    exceeding 40%, on par with large wind turbines.

    (d) Battery charge management: Management of the rechargeable
    battery for use as an independent power supply is conducted by a
    system based on a 3-step battery recharge, and can be conducted
    under a variety of conditions, from arctic to tropical weather.

8. Newly developed turbine: The turbine, with a weight of 7.5Kg and a
   maximum output of 4.5kW, has a powerful regenerative brake damping
   force. The magnet is a Neodymium-Iron-Boron magnet manufactured by
   Neomax Co., Ltd., the world leader in magnets.

9. Built-in multi-function information system: A newly developed
   information system makes it possible to remotely collect an
   assortment of data from the installation site. An optional GPS
   receiver can be installed to monitor the location of the turbine.

Market Objective

Since its inception in 1997, Zephyr Corporation has established an unrivalled track-record as one of Japan's leading manufacturers of small wind turbines, installing turbines for energy savings, independent power or as an ecological symbol in just about every conceivable location -- from personal and private sector to school and municipality to non-grid island and distant mountain home. The Airdolphin has a popular rated output of 1kW, and will be targeted at the grid industry in developed nations actively pursuing wind energy. In addition, we will use our experience in Japan, working in independent power supplies, to pursue markets in areas of the world with no electricity, which affect more than 2 billion people. As a unique solution in the field of small-scale wind power production, we will pursue the creation of mini wind farms and micro grids linking independent power supplies for off-grid regions. We would also use these projects towards the purchase of Kyoto CDM credits.

For more information on the Airdolphin, please visit the following website:

http://www.zephyreco.co.jp/en/index.htm

Zephyr will be in Athens, Greece Between February 27th and March 2nd for EWEC 2006 (European Wind Energy Conference & Exhibition) hosted by the EWEA (European Wind Energy Association). Please visit us at booth #156.

http://www.ewec.info/