Environment

New-age wind turbine to go on trial in South Australia

Flinders University teams up with VAWT-X Energy to trial an innovative vertical wind turbine in South Australia, aiming to redefine efficiency and adaptability in renewable energy.

In an exciting development towards redefining renewable energy in South Australia, Flinders University have announced a major collaboration with SA startup VAWT-X Energy to trial a new-age vertical wind turbine in South Australia. Supported by both state and federal funding, this trial not only signifies a step forward in renewable energy technology, but also reinforces South Australia’s reputation as a hub for innovation in sustainable practices.

With the trial taking place in the scenic Fleurieu Peninsula, researchers are hoping that the successful implementation of these turbines could lead to widespread adoption, providing a reliable solution to renewable energy needs across Australia.

The vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs) designed by VAWT-X Energy offer a futuristic alternative to the conventional horizontal axis turbines that are typically used today.

Dr Amir Zanj, who heads up the Advanced Wind Technology (AWET) research group at the Flinders Tonsley campus, contends that the new vertical design addresses several traditional challenges to wind turbine engineering.

This new design focuses on quiet operation, cost-effectiveness and adaptability, and time will tell if the innovations implemented into this design will prove more efficient than traditional models.

“This VAWT design could be revolutionary in various setups, from urban centres to large-scale offshore wind farms,” Dr Zanj explained. He further elaborated on the benefits of ‘Darrieus’ VAWT configurations, highlighting their suitability for stable setups in environments with unpredictable wind directions.

Gary Andrews, the founder of VAWT-X Energy, emphasised the turbine’s design efficiencies, stating, “Our VAWTs aim to mitigate long-standing aerodynamic challenges, making them suitable for a range of applications including off-grid power and smaller business operations.”

The trial has also benefitted from significant financial support, including a substantial $300,000 grant from the Department of State Development in South Australia, with additional funding on the way. The initiative aligns with South Australia’s goal to achieve 100% net renewable electricity by 2027.

Tom Koutsantonis MP, Minister for Energy and Mining, praised the state’s commitment to renewable energy projects. “South Australia is at the forefront of the global energy shift by adopting innovative technologies.”

“Our government is proud to support projects that challenge the current paradigms of energy generation”

The scaled-up version of the 6KW VAWT-X Energy model is set to begin field tests next month. Alongside further research and development, these trials are crucial steps toward large-scale production and deployment.

The collaboration between Flinders University and VAWT-X Energy began in 2019 when Dr Zanj partnered with Andrews to refine and advance his wind turbine concept. Since then, the partnership has been a fruitful venture into enhancing the efficiency and application scope of VAWTs.

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