Turbine | Tektion

Scientists from the University of Liverpool have upgraded an everyday wind turbine with innovative set of spinning solar blades. The entire team, led by Dr. Joe King, unveiled an innovative solution to perplex critics who state wind turbines are useful only while the wind is blowing. Well, their design even doubles the functionality of conventional turbines by integrating photovoltaic technology. The team however faced some problems. There was a real anxiety that the turbines could blind aircraft pilots and anyone living in the vicinity. Besides this, on hot days, the turbines would create lethal solar rays, which could set buildings on fire if concentrated. In order to cope up with such issues, scientists invented a tinted solar panel that does not mirror sunbeams. The team is now resolving on where to install their model solar wind turbine. “We are confident that we could transform the world’s vital renewable energy needs”, said Dr. King.

Designer : Scientists from the University of Liverpool via [Inhabitat]

Solar Powered Wind Turbine

View full post on Industrial Design and Future Technology – Tuvie

When power would be the most concerned issue for future civilization, designing energy efficient product is not enough; rather, power generating systems that can transform natural energy into usable power is more important. Aard concept combines a wind and solar power accumulating system into a sleek and simple product with a goal to contribute to the future power requirements.

This concept with a round shape features flexible photovoltaic modules that can accumulate solar power during daytime, also when wind gets strong, the ball starts with spin and produces electricity through the dynamos with each of the eight wings. The aluminum construction with basic blue color have given the product a beautiful look that can complement to the urban architectural environment as well as areas that are covered by nature. Moreover, the round shape of the product eliminates the need of turn and adjusting it according to the direction of sunshine.

Designer : Arttu-Matti Immonen

aard