When I think of wind power, turbines with big spinning blades are often what come to mind. But a new kind of wind power is gaining traction in Europe, motionless turbines. These innovations could address two concerns with traditional wind farms: noise and their impact on wildlife.
The UK has just installed its first "motionless" wind energy system on the roof of BMW’s MINI manufacturing plant in Oxford. This breakthrough technology, created by US Aeromine Technologies, uses vertical airfoils and a vacuum effect to generate clean electricity without moving parts. It sits quietly, eliminating the noise and vibrations commonly associated with traditional turbines and it is safer for birds and other wildlife like bats.
The motionless system is currently paired with rooftop solar panels at the BMW plant, stepping in when solar output dips in the evenings or during winter months. The unit aims to maximise renewable energy production while fitting seamlessly into the existing infrastructure.
Aeromine’s installations, typically 50 kW or larger, could power warehouses, data centres, and apartment buildings, transforming urban spaces into renewable energy hubs. Similar efforts are underway across Europe, with companies like France’s New World Wind developing micro-turbine “trees” and Spain’s Vortex Bladeless creating energy through vibrations alone. What do you think about this solution?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnSZ0MHIcvs
•
•
18 w
Motionless wind turbines are a game-changer for clean energy, tackling noise and wildlife concerns while boosting urban renewable energy production, especially when paired with solar. Great innovation!
•
•
19 w
This is very impressive, tech has always proved beyond doubt that green innovation is the future!
•
•
18 w
@gorffly_mokua Indeed, green tech innovations like these are paving the way for a more sustainable future and proving that tech can lead the way in environmental progress.
•
•
19 w
Wow..these are the kind of inventions that we need for a brighter future free from emissions of all kinds.
•
•
18 w
@jane_wangui Exactly, these innovative technologies are crucial for reducing emissions and creating a cleaner, more sustainable future.
•
•
19 w
this is incredible, such a great innovation
•
•
19 w
Wow! The innovation has addressed a critical aspect of turbines.
•
•
19 w
Great innovations!! This will minimize noise and reduce wildlife disruption, these innovations could enhance public acceptance and expand the viability of wind farms in diverse environments, fostering sustainable energy development.