🛰️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
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
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...
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 💃
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 🍃
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.
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!
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
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.
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)
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.
We hope so! Any solution to #decarbonise power generation is welcome.
If you enjoy our content, Like 👍 , Follow 🐦 and Re-Tweet 💞 !
We're publishing interesting takes weekly, so stay tuned 📻
aquaswitch.co.uk/blog/vortex-bl…
We're publishing interesting takes weekly, so stay tuned 📻
aquaswitch.co.uk/blog/vortex-bl…
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
