Wind energy is about to take on a new form, more compact, silent and suitable for urban contexts. Thanks to Aeromine Technologies, a startup that we have followed from the beginning, and its innovative bladeless wind turbines to be installed on the roofs of buildings. These “wind harvesting platforms,” as the company calls them, are capable of generating electricity by taking advantage of the aerodynamics of the building itself, without external moving parts or noise.
An idea that has convinced investors, so much so that Aeromine has just closed a 9 million dollar financing round led by Veriten, an energy research, investment and strategy company. Finally the startup is ready to scale production and conquer rooftops around the world.
From blades to plates: the evolution of wind turbines
The history of wind energy is dotted with innovations and adaptations, in a continuous search for greater efficiency, reliability and compatibility with different contexts. From the first rudimentary wind machines used to pump water or grind grain, to the modern horizontal axis turbines that stand out in the countryside and in the open sea, humanity has always tried to make the most of the power of the wind.
Despite their ever-increasing size and power, however, traditional wind turbines have always had limited application in urban areas. Bulk, noise, visual impact and risks to wildlife are some of the factors that have slowed down the spread of wind power on the roofs of our cities.
Aeromine Technologies' vision no longer includes rotating blades, but compact and aerodynamic platforms that blend in with the building, capturing the wind that flows on its surface. A very interesting approach, which promises to unlock the wind potential of our urban centres.
Exploiting the aerodynamics of buildings: the secret of Aeromine
How exactly do these bladeless turbines work? The secret lies in their shape and strategic positioning. The Aeromine units, which weigh approximately 450 kg each, are installed on the edge of the building's roof, facing the predominant wind direction.
Their aerodynamic structure, similar to that of an airplane wing or a race car, is designed to amplify the flow of air that rises along the facade of the building and flows onto the roof. This wind concentration effect is exploited by an internal generation system, composed of a rotor and a stator with high-efficiency permanent magnets.
The result? Silent and vibration-free energy production, which can be used directly by the building or fed into the grid. Each unit can generate 50 kW or more, and a typical system includes 20 to 40 units installed on the perimeter of the roof. A significant power, which can help reduce dependence on the grid and increase the energy resilience of the building.
It integrates with other sources and also copes with hurricanes
Another advantage of Aeromine turbines is their ability to integrate perfectly with the solar panels already present on the roof. This synergy between wind and photovoltaic makes it possible to maximize the production of renewable energy on site, taking advantage of different weather conditions. When the sun is high and the wind is light, the panels do the main work; when the wind blows strongly, perhaps during a storm, the turbines come into play.
And when the wind really blows too strong? The units of startup are designed to withstand extreme winds, with speeds between 200 and 250 km/h depending on specifications. A robustness necessary to guarantee operational continuity even in adverse conditions, and to reassure building owners about the safety of the technology.
A market in full expansion: from residential to commercial
Aeromine's target is truly broad. The startup aims for all buildings with flat roofs and free of obstacles: condominiums, warehouses, industrial warehouses, offices, hospitals, shopping centers. A huge and diversified market, which ranges from residential to tertiary, and which is increasingly attentive to the issues of sustainability and energy self-sufficiency.
According to the company, there are already 400 qualified projects on the waiting list, with a commercial launch expected in 2025 in Europe and North America. A diffusion that could accelerate further thanks to incentive programs for renewables and the evolution of green building regulations.
Aeromine, towards the cities of the wind
The innovation brought by Aeromine represents an important step towards the energy transition of our cities. By exploiting an abundant and so far undervalued resource such as urban wind, these bladeless turbines promise to make buildings more autonomous, resilient and sustainable from an energy point of view.
One day we will look at the roofs of our cities and instead of chimneys and TV antennas, we will see rows of silent and compact wind turbines, which capture the wind to transform it into clean, zero-mile energy. After having conquered the countryside and the seas, wind energy is preparing to invade cities too, in a new fascinating page in its infinite history.