Thread by @AquaSwitchUK

🛰️AquaSwitch Report📡

Did you know that #wind can cause structures to resonate like guitar strings?

And did you know that this phenomenon can be used to harness #energy from the wind?

A short 🧵 on this alternative wind energy device

1/ Before we dive in, why is it even necessary to harness energy in alternative ways?

It's because turbines aren't optimal in ALL scenarios.
👉 Lack of space (e.g. cities)
👉 Turbulent winds (e.g. cities)
👉 Hard-to-adapt foundations (e.g. buildings)
👉 They're noisy

2/ But vertical-axis turbines could do the job right?

Right! And there is a long history of research behind them.

They work in tight spaces, turbulent winds, and the sheer stress on foundations is smaller.

But, this doesn't mean there isn't a better way...

3/ Energy from Turbulence 💨

For the sake of innovation, we took a closer look at @VortexBladeless who are harnessing wind energy using counter-intuitive physics.

With structures that maximise oscillation as opposed to hampering it like wind turbines.

Dancing in the wind 💃

4/ Vortex Shedding 🌀

The devices are designed to vibrate at a range of wind speeds by changing their resonance frequency.

This vibration is caused by an invisible phenomenon called 'Vortex Shedding' where the solid structure created down-wind whirls when exposed to winds 🍃

5/ How does it generate ⚡ ?

Once the device starts oscillating from side to side, the movement will displace copper wires within a magnetic field, creating an alternating current.

6/ Inspiration from disaster 🌉

The Spanish team behind the idea were inspired by the collapse of 'Galloping Gertie', a bridge in the U.S. that collapsed soon after it opened as it was designed before the harmonic oscillations of structures were even considered!

7/ But can it compete in its small-scale niche? 🤔

According to the website, the devices are:
👉 Low cost (100s of Euros for the 2.75m Tacoma Model)
👉 Silent
👉 Have a competitive LCOE over its life
👉 Works well in turbulent and low-speed winds
👉 Fits in tight spaces

8/ So why is it not out yet?

As a Start-up, there are many things that can be slowing them down.
👉 Technical delays?
👉 Regulatory delays?
👉 Funding issues?
👉 Market fit?

Whichever the reason is, we'd love to have one on our property to test out.

9/ Where does it fit?

Despite having a concept for a large-scale structure to rival turbines, we suspect their niche may be in the small-scale, #renewables niche.

In combination with solar and battery systems, these could be really interesting, assuming their LCOE is low (cost)

10/ What do you think, could these #Vortex devices go against typical Start-up odds and become a hit?

We hope so! Any solution to #decarbonise power generation is welcome.

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aquaswitch.co.uk/blog/vortex-bl…