A bladeless wind turbine can generate 50% more electricity than solar panels on the roof of a house
The Texas company Aeromine Technologies offers an interesting alternative to photovoltaic panels installed on the roofs of houses. The patented wind turbine without blades can function as a local source of clean energy, which will find use especially in urban built-up areas. A scalable unit can produce 50% more electricity than rooftop solar panels at the same or lower cost (depending on conditions, of course).
How it works
To capture and amplify airflow, it utilizes technology similar to aerodynamic elements found in racing cars, allowing it to operate even at wind speeds as low as 8 km/h. It requires approximately one-tenth of the space needed for solar panels and can produce electricity even during nighttime.
Bladeless wind power plant with numerous advantages
Unlike conventional wind turbines, which are noisy, visually disruptive, and pose a danger to birds, the patented system by Aeromine Technologies is stationary, nearly maintenance-free, and practically silent. Due to its small footprint on the roof, units can be combined with rooftop solar panels, further increasing the level of energy independence.
The system typically consists of 20 to 40 units installed on the building's edges, facing the prevailing wind direction. One unit provides the same amount of energy as up to 16 solar panels. Consequently, it can minimize the energy storage capacity required to meet the building's energy needs and generate electricity under all weather conditions.
The Aeromine system is designed for installation on buildings with large flat roofs, such as warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing plants, office buildings, residential complexes, and large-scale retail stores. It is easy to install, making it a cost-effective and space-efficient solution for harnessing renewable energy.
Real-world testing is underway
BASF Corporation is currently testing the Aeromine system at its manufacturing plant in Wyandotte, Michigan. The patented technology has been validated through joint research with Sandia National Laboratories and Texas Tech University.
"It's a game-changer, bringing added value to the rapidly growing market of rooftop energy production and helping companies achieve their sustainability goals through an untapped distributed renewable energy resource," said David Asarnow, CEO of Aeromine.
According to Architecture 2030, buildings and the built environment contribute nearly half of global carbon emissions. Building operations alone account for around 27% of emissions, while an additional 20% is attributed to construction materials, building construction, and other energy usage in the building sector.