“Saphonian” Bladeless Wind Turbine Doubles Efficiency

Wind energy has the potential to power the word, and innovators are trying to find new technologies that harness the energy in the most efficient, cost effective way. Conventional bladed wind turbines are fantastic in theory, but in reality they do not always harness energy efficiently and can be prohibitively expensive.

Saphon Energy is one of the innovators looking to be a game changer. The company has designed a wind turbine that is markedly different than its predecessors. Their turbine, called the Saphonian, has no blades, no spinning parts, and is nearly silent. The turbine, inspired by the design and function of boat sails, does not move and passively captures wind energy, turning this energy into usable mechanical energy.

The Saphonian has demonstrated 2.3 times more energy efficiency than traditional bladed turbines and significantly reduces infrastructure costs.

Saphon’s radical design uses a framed round sail that oscillates as the wind pushes into it. The non-rotational oscillations, which shift back and forth, move tiny pistons which are hooked up to a hydraulic system. An accumulator then either stores the generated energy or uses a generator to convert it directly into electricity.

Saphon Energy patented their design in early 2012 and is looking for a partner to manufacture the Saphonian for global distribution.

[via DVICE]

Leigh is a Senior Technical Writer at Ambit Energy in Dallas, Texas. Prior to her work in the energy sector, Leigh spent years specializing in life saving engineering projects for the US Department of Defense. In her spare time, Leigh pursues her passions of environmental awareness, dog rescue, and defending the place of art, literature, and music in a world that values science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

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Rogue Primate 5pts

"Wind energy has the potential to power the word"... you betcha... and this industry invests heavily in making sure "the word" is in their favor. Notice the previous comment by MikeBarnard, a notorious well paid  wind shill.

MikeBarnard 5pts

Actually, no.  Won't scale, patent doesn't align, no numbers published, principals with no background in wind industry.  Deluded principals at best.  Something unsavoury at worst.

 

http://www.quora.com/Wind-Power/Are-stationary-circular-sails-the-future-of-wind-power