The Vortex Turbine is a slender, cone-shaped generator crafted from carbon fibre and fibreglass, featuring the motor at its base. This configuration guarantees that the wind’s vortex rotates uniformly across the entire cone, inducing a swaying motion that generates mechanical energy through the motor. Additionally, a ring of magnets has been affixed at the foundation to enhance the rotation, irrespective of the wind speed.
Moreover, Vortex Turbine is considered a sustainable method for capturing energy from rivers and canals with minimal elevation changes, whether as an independent initiative or a group of turbines supplying energy to large areas. Each turbine can produce steady energy output ranging from 15 to 70kW consistently.
Vortex Bladeless harnesses power from the vortices created when wind flows around its structure, converting this mechanical energy into electricity. It initiates power generation at a wind speed of 3m/s, commonly found in urban settings. By reaching a wind speed of 6 m/s, sufficient to stir dust and move small branches, it can generate ample power.
The wind turbine is furnished with a safety mechanism that automatically halts its operation when the wind speed surpasses 30 to 35 m/s, which is the maximum speed the generator can withstand.
Efficiency of Vortex Turbine
Despite some scepticism regarding its efficiency, the Vortex turbine has undergone computational modelling, wind tunnel testing and prototype trials with the Vortex Atlantis, a 100 W model. The creators assert that their Vortex Mini, a 13-meter model generating 4kW, can harness up to 40% of the wind’s energy under optimal conditions. Although field tests reveal it is 30% less efficient than traditional wind turbines, this drawback is offset by the ability to install twice as many Vortex turbines in the same space as a propeller turbine.
Advantages of Vortex Turbine
A vortex wind turbine has the following advantages.
- It is more cost-effective to produce compared to traditional wind turbines.
- Its maintenance is also more economical since there is no friction between moving components.
- Due to its uncomplicated structure and light weight of 15 kg, material expenses are minimised.
- Eliminates the requirements of nacelle and blade, further reducing costs, resulting in reduced manufacturing expenses by 53%.
- Additionally, it operates silently posing no threat to birds flying nearby.
- Operating efficiently at low to medium wind speeds, it proves energy efficient, producing the same amount of energy at a cost 45% lower than a traditional 3-blade wind turbine.
The Vortex Bladeless is crafted to address the challenges associated with traditional wind turbines, including operational expenses, noise and effects on birds.
Also See: What is Water Turbine?
Objective of Bladeless Wind Turbine
The BWT was specifically developed to harness energy from gentle breezes in neighbourhoods. Its unique cylindrical design enables it to effortlessly align with the wind direction and adjust to the fluctuating intensity of the wind using a remarkable self-synchronization system. This ingenious feature allows the BWT to capture a broader spectrum of wind speeds without experiencing any disruptive interference, ensuring it remains harmoniously in tune with the environment.
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Thank you Elliot Clark for your contribution to knowledge;