Objective
Wind power is a source of effectively infinite local energy. However, conventional horizontal axis wind turbines are
controversial in many communities – they are noisy, visually distracting and they vibrate. An obvious disadvantage of wind
(eolic) technology is that power generation diminishes when there is no wind. State-of-the-art eolic technologies do not work
well in urban environments, which experience vertical and turbulent wind conditions. Solar PV systems’ main disadvantage
is that energy generation peaks during the day while consumption peaks at night, increasing the need for expensive
electricity storage (batteries).
The core innovation of Omniflow is our patented omnidirectional wind turbine. By integrating Omniflow with both new and
existing photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems we can offset non-linear solar PV electricity generation and weak eolic
microgeneration throughout the day and throughout the year in different meteorological conditions (currently up to 8.8 kW,
with PV). Thanks to its design, Omniflow works well in urban environments. There is no visible motion, and it is fully
operational both on and off the electrical grid. The applications and target markets range from distributed energy to novel,
autonomous telecommunication base stations and intelligent lighting, in urban, rural and crisis-management environments in
the EU/worldwide, and has a TRL 6-7, depending on the application.
If we confirm that Omniflow represents a significant business opportunity through the feasibility study in SMEI phase 1, we
will proceed to apply for funding in phase 2: objectives include improving our turbine designs to optimize wind to electricity
conversion; adapting our technology to a range of meteorological conditions in different regions; and navigating the
regulations and certifications necessary for implementation within the international energy and telecom sectors (TRL 8). We
project a net profit of 5,792,117€ by 2017, as detailed in this proposal.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectrical engineeringpower engineeringelectric power distribution
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectrical engineeringpower engineeringelectric power generation
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energywind power
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunications
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringenergy and fuelsrenewable energysolar energyphotovoltaic
Keywords
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
4149002 Porto
Portugal
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.