Unlike fossil fuels, which release harmful emissions into the atmosphere, wind turbines have a minimal environmental impact.
Wind energy offers many advantages, which explains why it’s one of the fastest-growing energy sources in the world. To further expand wind energy’s capabilities and community benefits, researchers are working to address technical and socio-economic challenges in support of a decarbonized electricity future.
What are the advantages of wind power?
- Wind power creates good-paying jobs
- Wind power is a clean and renewable energy source
- Wind power benefits local communities
- Wind power is cost-effective
- Wind turbines work in different settings
The challenges of wind power
One of the most obvious dangers of blade wind turbines is their massive size.
The blades can span up to 50 meters in length, and the towers themselves can be taller than a 20-story building. This means that if a turbine collapses, it falls with enormous force, potentially injuring or killing anyone nearby.
Another danger is that these turbines can interfere with radar systems. This is especially problematic for airports, as they make it more difficult for air traffic control to track planes in the area. Additionally, because radar interference can reduce visibility, it could lead to more accidents.
Noise pollution is also a concern with blade wind turbines. These giant machines make a lot of noise when running, which can be disruptive to humans and animals living nearby.
How bladeless wind turbines work
Bladeless wind turbines are a new type of wind turbine rapidly gaining popularity due to their many advantages over traditional wind turbines. Unlike conventional turbines, which have large blades that rotate to generate power, bladeless turbines use a phenomenon known as aerodynamic induction to generate electricity.
The turbine consists of a tall tower with a small platform at the top. A series of magnets are attached to the platform and arranged in such a way that they can capture the energy of the wind.
The bladeless turbines stand at 3 metres high, a curve-topped cylinder fixed vertically with an elastic rod. To the untrained eye it appears to waggle back and forth, not unlike a car dashboard toy. In reality, it is designed to oscillate within the wind range and generate electricity from the vibration.
As the wind passes through the magnets, it creates a rotating field that drives an electric generator, which produces electricity.
The potential benefits of bladeless wind turbines are significant. Increased efficiency and lower operating costs could make them a major force in the world of wind energy. Only time will tell if bladeless turbines live up to their promise, but if they do, they could very well be the future of wind energy.
Universal Kraft works with wind for over 20 years, developing greenfield and brownfield wind energy operations throughout the globe. Today we are involved in large scale wind developments in Europe, Taiwan and in the Caribbean. Hydrogen production facilities combined with existing wind energy farms in Sweden and Canada are currently being designed and engineered, for execution in the coming year. Discover all our projects here.
