How An Ancient Technology Could Revolutionize Wind Energy

[IDemo]

A bladeless wind energy convertor inspired by the sailing boats of Ancient Carthage is set to breeze past traditional turbines in terms of efficiency, according to its Tunisian developers.

A Tunisian start-up has taken inspiration from the sailing boats of Ancient Carthage to develop a bladeless, non-rotating wind energy convertor that is more efficient than traditional turbines as well as safer and quieter, according to the developers.

Tunis-based Saphon Energy says the aerodynamic bowl-shaped sail on its turbine is capable of capturing twice as much wind energy over the same swept area as a conventional turbine.

The designers, led by 37-year-old engineer Anis Aouini, looked to the old technology of sailing boats, as well as the movements of birds and fish for their design. They were inspired by the sailors of the ancient civilisation of Carthage, located close to the present-day Tunisian capital.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/ancient-technology-revolutionize-wind-energy_us_571e16d4e4b0d4d3f723c89b

[immoderate]

1. I don't see how it works. Any 'ancient Carthage sailboat' experts in the house?

--imm

[Boxerfan]

2. Not that but I see how it works...

Instead of rotational forces-driving a standard magnet / coil generator this one converts the wobble motion to drive a similar generator.

Not sure about longevity & all but a nice simple concept. And K. I. S. S. is my motto on mechanical devices.