A bladeless, non-rotating wind turbine inspired by sailboats

‘The Saphonian’ wind energy converter follows a back and forth 3D knot motion

‘The Saphonian’ wind energy converter follows a back and forth 3D knot motion

Zero-Blade Technology is becoming a promising one for wind power generators. Tunisian Saphon Energy is another start-up which has been experimenting with it, like Vortex Bladeless that we have already referred to. This time, they were inspired by masts of ancient sailing boats, as well as the movement of birds and fish. Over the last 2 years, they have designed, developed and tested several operating prototypes, and their latest prototype version has proved to be highly resistant and as scalable as the current bladed wind turbines.

Characteristics

· Highly efficient: offers an efficiency level about 3 times as high as current technology. The latest tests have shown a 2.3 range of efficiency enhancement (still under improvement).

· Low acoustic level

· Limited Impact On Avifauna

· Low manufacturing cost due to replacement of the expensive blades by a sail-shaped body and to the reduced size and weight of the machine.

· Better Landscape Integration

· No airwaves disturbance: has a very limited impact on radio and TV airwaves and radar detection system (civil and military).

· Low accident Risk: reduced risk of accidents due to blades breakdown, fragments injection, snow projection and even fire.

· Minimum Turbulent Wind Impact: due to its aerodynamic shape, turbulent winds have minor impact on its performance and even increase the net aerodynamic force.

Going into the future, Saphon Energy is about to build its first industrial design Saphonian machine in partnership with Microsoft Corporation.