Aeromine’s bladeless system uses vertical blades to increase wind speed, helping to produce silent green electricity at the BMW plant.
BMW is partnering with US-based cleantech company Aeromine Technologies to trial bladeless wind power at its global facilities. The UK’s first bladeless wind power system has been installed on the roof of BMW’s MINI factory in Oxford. The system produces clean electricity without relying on any visible moving parts. The move is part of a wider project by BMW to explore innovative and efficient energy solutions. The pilot scheme is being led by BMW Real Estate subsidiary and supported by BMW Startup Garage, a programme focused on helping early-stage start-ups develop innovative technology. Interesting Engineering September 4 news.
Aeromine Technologies’ method of collecting and enhancing rooftop airflow uses a unique aerodynamic design that creates a low-pressure area that guides air through an inlet and generator, unlike conventional wind turbines that rely on rotating blades. Located at the edge of a building directly downwind, the Aeromine system uses the structure of the building to accelerate the airflow over the edge. The system’s vertical blades enhance the effect by creating a vacuum behind the central column, drawing air through a drive unit to generate electricity.
The Aeromine design has no visible moving parts, ensuring smooth operation without noise or vibration, with minimal impact on the environment and wildlife. The system is also waterproof and made from durable, reusable materials, avoiding environmentally harmful components such as silicon or rare earths. According to the company, their industrial rotor design is simple, safe, and requires little maintenance. It also incorporates a permanent magnet generator that is passively cooled and lubricated throughout its life. Additionally, the Aeromine system does not require a frequency converter.
By providing remote monitoring and control, the Aeromine system allows for seamless integration with other building and regulatory systems. The new wind farm will complement the existing photovoltaic panels installed on the buildings at the MINI plant in Oxford. During winter and at night, when the wind is stronger and the photovoltaic panels are less efficient, the Aeromine system will continue to produce green energy.
According to Aeromine, the advanced technology was tested at a BMW plant to assess the system’s potential to improve energy efficiency in commercial buildings in the UK and other BMW facilities around the world. BMW aims to reduce CO2 emissions from the supply chain to the end-of-life stage by 2030.