Today there are different types of wind turbines, both for small and large energy production. The blades (or propellers) generally move in a single direction: vertical or horizontal. This leads to an intrinsic limitation of these devices: in a traditional wind turbine the direction of the wind can reduce energy efficiency.
That's not all: for turbines with propellers that rotate vertically there is a need for significant heights for structural reasons (even if today experiments are underway at lower heights, aiming to cut the costs of the equipment thanks to recyclable materials).
To overcome this problem Aldo Benincasa, a Tuscan designer expert in industrial patent prototyping, has conceived and registered the patent for a new type of wind turbine. He called her Airon, I imagine for the particular shape of the blades, which remind me of those of the elegant bird. It is the first variable geometry wind turbine designed and patented in our country. I had a chat with him.
How did this idea of a “self-rotating” multi-bladed wind turbine come about?
The idea came to me starting from the conception of the latest supercar wings which have variable geometry movements. The wing of the “ZENVO TSR-S” hypercar which moves on two rotation axes to assume the best possible angle, depending on the angle at which a curve is approached and the entry speed. This made me think that even in mini/micro wind farms an ad hoc system could be studied to make it more efficient.
If we refer to existing systems, in fact, each mini/micro vertical axis wind turbine also contains a small "brake" on its dynamics. Since rotation only occurs in one direction, it is the blade with the most friction that prevails over the others and determines the rotation. It is clear that this significantly reduces energy efficiency, precisely because "one blade slows down the other".
This innovative system perfectly balances the two blades of the same propeller so that even at the slightest wind level, even at 2m / s, the system can almost cancel the negative effect of the resistance of the opposite blade of the same propeller, (the one that in traditional systems offers greater resistance), giving a better energy supply to the blade that will make the most of the energy revenue.
What is the efficiency of this system?
We are currently still optimizing the measurements, because we are still perfecting the project in terms of noise reduction. We noticed that positioning the blades both vertically and horizontally also significantly reduces the "rustling" effect of the wind, typical of inclined surfaces.
I believe that the “AIRON” micro-wind turbine with self-rotating propellers can be used for production starting from around 500/600 Watt/hour in the case of small dimensions (around 1,40m/1,50m with a weight of around 10kg) from prototype experiments. However, the system can also be used for medium-sized wind turbines (from 2 to 5 metres) as each propeller is monolithic and therefore of excellent robustness despite rotating by a quarter of a turn via appropriate bearing systems and related shock-absorbing locking systems. (this solution already achieves results even with very weak winds, in the order of 2 m/s and therefore can be combined with a classic photovoltaic system or solar panel with 24-hour efficiency).
Double direction, more efficiency
When Benincasa started research for his wind turbine he had a clear goal in mind. Which? Develop a variable geometry system that would make much better use of wind energy. A smaller system with the same performance, capable of getting the best out of even the smallest air movements, with greater ease of construction and lower production costs. You said nothing. Time will tell if he is right, but in the meantime the system exists, it has a patent, and its operation is described by Benincasa himself in this video.
What applications can this wind turbine have?
The type of structure, the small dimensions and the ability to capture the wind from every direction make Airon quite versatile and easy to install. In addition to being a candidate for "domestic wind power" (due to its shape it could easily replace the old TV antennas, which are disappearing) it can also do its part on vehicles and boats.
Benincasa is already in negotiations with an Italian joint stock company and a production company. I just have to follow the developments of this stimulating all-tricolor proposal.
