O-Wind
Omnidirectional wind turbine
Technology
The O-Wind Turbine, a patented micro wind turbine capable of harnessing winds from all directions (horizontally, vertically, and anywhere in between), this unique capacity makes it the first of a new category of wind turbines. Its spherical, blade-less design makes it safe and ideal for urban applications, whether self-standing or mounted on building facades and other infrastructure.
While most existing wind turbines operate based on lift or drag, the O-Wind relies on the Venturi Effect. Channels on its surface internally conduct the air over various sections, creating zones of higher and lower pressure. These strategically placed zones generate a spinning force, enabling rotation along a single axis, regardless of wind direction. An internal generator captures this rotational movement, producing electrical energy for onsite infrastructure, microgrids, or storage in a battery bank.
Our team is committed to continuously improving the technology's performance and developing versions tailored for various applications, such as balconies, boats, and roadsides.
R & D
Since our company's founding in 2019, the technology has undergone a series of changes and enhancements, bringing us to the present day.
The original award-winning design (Version 1) served as a proof of concept, demonstrating the principal's viability as a novel wind turbine capable of harnessing horizontal and vertical winds, a novelty in the market. The next step was optimising the design for maximum energy generation.
Version 2 resulted from the first R&D phase, during which various parameters were identified and modifications were tested using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The most successful modifications were combined to create the new design. A 70cm diameter prototype, constructed from carbon fibre, underwent successful wind tunnel testing at the end of 2021.
The latest iteration (Version 3) was achieved following a second R&D phase, supported by Innovate UK. The process resulted in version 3 making an improvement of nearly three times compared to version 1. The new model will be the first commercial version of O-Wind.
