Bladeless Wind Turbines; An Interesting Concept For Alternative Energy.

Yesterday on The Tiny Life, I saw this article on a bladeless wind turbine concept that is more animal and NIMBY friendly. The concept is that a stack of blocks or forms made of foam, or other materials of similar density, are attached to poles in a grid-like pattern. These poles have small alternators at their connection that turn the movement into energy. As the blocks swing, or vibrate, back and forth in the wind they generator produce electricity. 

The novel part of these generators is how they operate, the lack of large moving blades and tall towers, leave a very small physical and visual footprint. The low density blocks begin to move in the slowest of breezes, meaning that they will produce at least a little energy in low winds. The lack of spinning blades mean that these generators are more friendly to animals frequently disturbed by the typical wind turbine. Bats, migrating birds, eagles, hawks, bees, etc. are all in danger from the large spinning blades. No blades, no danger! And the NIMBY crowd will love these because of the low visual impact. 

My verdict on these bladeless turbines is that they are not a solution to energy problems, but another helping hand along the way. They might work well in urban and suburban situations, but I doubt that they will draw much power. The design seems to be limited in that sense. That being said a well designed and advanced iteration of this concept might be able to power a small home, or a very efficient home. Large scale energy production with this concept will likely remain a concept. 

Stay safe in this snow!