Project
The Resource - A crucial basis for the EdgeFlow turbine's performance is the so-called speed up effect.
Buildings found in industrial areas in the periphery of and around cities are characterized by rectangular geometries and a relatively large spacing. As the wind hits the façades of these buildings, it has to pass over resulting in an accelerated wind and consequently a concentration of wind energy at the roofs edge. Measurements have shown that this acceleration is up to 70% in certain directions meaning an increase in energy by >350%. Also, by focusing on these non-central locations, the buildings are placed in areas where the wind still maintains a large part of its momentum and thus its energy as it has not been slowed down by buildings and other urban structures.
The Turbine - The requirements for a wind turbine in the flow at the roofs edge of a building are very different from the ones for a conventional wind turbine.
Following this argument one can understand why the EdgeFlow turbine looks radically different from anything else. The turbine is tailor made for this particular flow phenomenon, which is the reason for its horizontal axis and geometry. The turbine is a so-called Darrieus type, which refers to a French turbine concept patented by Darrius in the early 30s. In turbulent, gusting winds, the Darrieus outperforms the conventional turbines. The turbine is 36 m long and has a diameter of 2,2 m.
The Economics - Placing the wind turbine locally on buildings offers a number of exciting possibilities.
The turbines electricity production of 50-80.000 kWh will rarely constitute more than 30-35% of the overall power consumption of the industry buildings it is placed on. For this reason a large percentage of the produced energy can be consumed where it is produced, essentially making the electricity meter run a bit slower. The value of the turbine will materialize as a saving on the energy bill. In some countries, such as the UK, the best economy is achieved by taking part in the feed in tariffs for renewable energy. Depending on market and the business model chosen, the turbine can realize a return on investment of less than 5 years.
The Development - EdgeFlow has its focus set on reducing the cost and optimizing the efficiency of the turbine.
To reduce the overall costs of running an EdgeFlow turbine, the product life, from production and installation to operation and finally disposal, is being thoroughly considered. To optimize the energy yield of each turbine, advanced methods for siting are being developed. To acquire the data basis needed for this, an extensive wind measurement campaign about to start. The design of the turbine is constantly being iterated upon - a prototype turbine in Kalundborg harbor is the current pinnacle of our development, but even as it now produces its first joules of electricity, the design is being improved.
The Customers - The industry has shown great interest in the EdgeFlow concept and a number of partnerships are in the making.
EdgeFlow is already cooperating with danish companies such as JYSK and Amagerforbrændingen in an attempt to tailor the wind turbine concept to the specific needs of such customers. We are in dialogue with a number of other companies. These "pilot customers" will provide the locations needed for wind measurements and testing of future prototypes. They will also provide valuable insights into the requirements of modern companies. In turn, the companies get to shake hands with the EdgeFlow technology and see if there is a basis for further investments in commercial installations.
