In the U.S., a rooftop wind innovation claims 50% more energy than solar at the same cost
A new bladeless wind power unit, patented by Aeromine Technologies, faces the challenge of competing with rooftop solar as a local source of clean energy that can be integrated into the built environment. The scalable, “immobile” wind power unit can produce 50% more energy than rooftop solar at the same cost, according to the company.
The technology takes advantage of aerodynamics similar to the airfoils of a race car to capture and amplify airflow from each building. The unit requires 10% of the space needed by solar panels and generates power 24 hours a day. Aeromine claims that unlike conventional wind turbines, which are noisy, disruptive and dangerous to migratory birds, the patented system is immobile and virtually silent.
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An Aeromine system typically consists of 20 to 40 units installed on the edge of a building facing the prevailing wind direction. The company claims that the unit can minimize the energy storage capacity required to meet a building’s energy needs by producing energy in all weather conditions. Taking up little roof space, the unit can be combined with rooftop solar, providing a new tool for decarbonization and energy independence.
Buildings and the built environment are responsible for nearly 50% of all carbon emissions globally, according to Architecture 2030. The operation of buildings contributes to 27% of emissions, while building materials and construction, as well as energy use by the construction industry, are estimated to account for another 20%. This presents an opportunity for buildings to be constructed more efficiently and for innovative technologies to be adopted to generate electricity without emissions.
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“This is a game changer that adds new value to the rapidly growing rooftop power generation market and helps companies meet their resiliency and sustainability goals with an untapped source of distributed renewable energy,” said Aeromine CEO David Asarnow. “Aeromine’s proprietary technology brings the performance of wind power to the on-site generation market, mitigating the legacy limitations posed by rotating wind turbines and less efficient solar panels.”
BASF Corporation is currently testing the Aeromine system at a manufacturing facility in Wyandotte, Michigan. The patented technology was validated through joint research with Sandia National Laboratories and Texas Tech University.
