A Tunisian startup, Saphon Energy, has created a new model of a wind turbine without blades. It is inspired by the design and structure of sailboats and converts wind energy into electricity at double the efficiency and half the cost.
This is the second prototype developed by the company: the solution appears very valid because it eliminates practically every negative factor (real or 'presumed' and for the use and consumption of oil lobbyists). It doesn't bother the birds, it doesn't make a lot of noise, it doesn't 'disfigure' the landscape. It has smaller dimensions. It can also be used (personal opinion of an insider) as an effective advertising vehicle, and in any case has a high decorative factor. In other words? End of alibis for all landscape 'purists', partly funded by the oil industry.
Anis Aouini, inventor of the 'wind wheel' (renamed Saphonian in honor of an ancient god of the winds) declares that this system has also managed to overcome the limits of Betz's law (There Betz's law shows the maximum possible energy - known as Betz limit - which could be obtained through an infinitely thin rotor from a fluid flowing at a certain speed.). We are still unable to confirm this data :)
[highlight] How does it work? - [/ highlight] The Saphon turbine uses a patented system, the "Zero-Blade Technology": the wind is 'channeled' in a spiral path, and forced to move back and forth in a sort of vortex that moves a series of small pistons placed near the 'wind wheel': the pistons convert their movement into electricity through a generator and a motor. Alternatively, the energy is 'stored' in an accumulator.
[highlight] When will it be ready? - [/ highlight] This invention has already received an international patent since March: Saphon is looking for a financier who will help it develop a valid and widespread product on the market: it will take from one to two years, unless that you don't want to contribute yourself :)
Here is a demonstration video.
[Youtube] 68x-1X6tRls [/ youtube]
Photos: Saphon Energy
