Innovative technology allows rooftop wind to produce 50% more energy than solar at the same cost

A new bladeless wind energy device patented by Aeromine Technologies is challenging rooftop solar as a local source of clean energy that can be integrated into the built environment. The company says the scalable 'stationary' wind energy device is capable of generating 50% more electricity than rooftop solar at the same cost.

The technology uses aerodynamics similar to that of a racing wing to capture and amplify the flow of air over a building. Unlike conventional wind turbines, Aeromine says, the patented system is stationary and virtually silent. In contrast, conventional wind turbines are noisy, visually distracting and carry the risk of harming migratory birds.

Aeromine systems typically consist of 20 to 40 units, which are installed at the edge of a building facing the prevailing wind. The company says the units minimise the storage capacity required to meet the energy needs of a building and can generate electricity in all weather conditions. The device has a small footprint on the roof and can be used in conjunction with rooftop solar, providing a new tool to aid decarbonisation and energy independence.

The Global Buildings 2030 report states that buildings and the built environment are responsible for nearly 50% of global carbon emissions. Building operations account for around 27% of emissions, while energy use by building materials, building construction and other building-related industries is estimated to account for a further 20%. This presents an opportunity to improve the energy efficiency of our buildings and to use innovative technologies to achieve zero-emission electricity.

Aeromine CEO David Asarnow said: "This will be a complete game changer, creating new value in the fast-growing rooftop power market and helping businesses achieve resilience and sustainability goals with untapped distributed renewables. advantage, reducing the limitations imposed by traditional rotating wind turbines and less efficient solar panels."

BASF is currently testing the Aeromine system at a manufacturing facility in Wyandotte, Michigan, and has validated the patented technology through joint research with Sandia National Laboratories and Texas Tech University.