First US licensing of novel wind power technology

Anovel wind turbine technology is set to be deployed in South Dakota, USA, owing to the setting up of a new licensing agreement between Mark Luke Eind Energy and SheerWind.

SheerWind has developed a wind funnel technology, known as Invelox, that collects and channels wind flow to generate power using turbines housed at ground level. Its technology can be used in areas of low wind speed and in populated areas.

Mark Luke Wind Energy has licensed the Invelox technology in South Dakota and will integrate the business into its renewable energy division. The agreement is SheerWind’s first in the USA and its sixth globally.

The Invelox device captures wind flow through an omnidirectional intake or several unidirectional intakes placed at the top of the rig. Wind direction is immaterial so there is no need for a passive or active yaw control to orient the wind turbine. It accelerates the flow within the Venturi section after which a series of turbines use the wind to generate power. Exhaust air is passed through a diffuser to slow it down before it is expelled from the system.

SheerWind’s technology is said to be a cost-effective, high- performance alternative to conventional wind technology especially applicable to urban areas where its low noise level is a benefit. It should also eliminate bird strikes.

Energy can be produced from wind speeds as low as 2 metres per second in locations close to the end user – even on rooftops in urban areas – because it causes no hazardous low-frequency noise or flicker. Shrinking the size of the turbine blades, eliminating complex systems, and harvesting at ground level all equate to cost savings, environmental safety, and profitable output says SheerWind.