Typically, “wind energy” conjures up images of massive turbines in large fields or out at sea. Aeromine Technologies has created a bladeless wind energy system that sits on the rooftops of commercial properties and provides onsite renewable energy. The motionless system integrates with a building’s existing electrical and rooftop solar systems.
In January, AEC Angels, an investment platform focused on emerging technologies in the architecture, engineering, and construction sectors, announced that it has endorsed Aeromine and that AEC Angels member Thornton Tomasetti has invested in the Houston-based company. AEC Angels is an alliance of industry veterans that evaluate and invest in early-stage companies with promising technological advances. Its members also include STO Building Group, Syska Hennessy, and SHoP Architects.
“Aeromine’s proprietary and innovative technology makes the promise of bringing the performance of wind energy to the built environment a reality that can increase on site generation 100-200% for any given project when paired with solar and battery storage,” Grant McCullagh, director at Thornton Tomasetti and AEC Angels’ managing director, said in a statement.
Building-integrated wind turbine with zero external moving parts
Aeromine has no external moving parts and no vibration. Like airfoils on a race car, the technology captures and amplifies a building’s airflow. Needing 10% of the roof space used by solar panels, the stationary and silent Aeromine unit can generate energy at any time and in any weather. Aeromine systems typically comprise 20-40 units on a building’s edge, facing the predominant wind direction.
Aeromine Technologies says its system is up to 50% more productive than other renewable energy alternatives. Combining Aeromine with rooftop solar can generate up to 100% of a building’s onsite energy needs, while reducing the need for energy storage.
Companies piloting Aeromine’s technology include BASF Corporation, which is testing the wind energy system at its manufacturing plant in Wyandotte, Mich.
Here is how the bladeless wind energy system works:
Related Stories
Industry Research | Oct 3, 2016
Structure Tone survey shows cost is still a major barrier to building green
Climate change, resilience and wellness are also growing concerns.
Sponsored | Coatings | Oct 3, 2016
Pioneers in achieving LEED certification
The Animal Community Center in Milpitas, Calif. sought to be the first LEED Gold building of its kind in the country.
Sustainability | Oct 3, 2016
Gensler-designed auto dealership to become world’s first to reach net zero
Toyota of Corvallis has also joined a few other Toyota dealerships around the country to achieve LEED Platinum certification.
Sponsored | University Buildings | Oct 3, 2016
Enhancing university life: The smart shower bead
Residential spaces that need to meet high traffic demands while accommodating an ever-changing populace creates a unique set of obstacles for any educational institution’s housing.
Sustainability | Sep 29, 2016
Gloucester Cathedral to install commercial sized solar PV system on its roof
Mypower will install 150 solar panels on the roof, making it the oldest cathedral in the UK, and possible the world, with this type of solar power system.
Green | Sep 28, 2016
Green Business Certification Inc. announces 2016 LEED Fellows
LEED Fellows are best-in-class for green building design, engineering and development.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Sep 26, 2016
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta will be the NFL’s first LEED Platinum stadium
The Atlanta Falcons new home is expected to save 40% in energy usage than a typical NFL stadium.
Sustainability | Sep 22, 2016
Is ‘Growroom’ a glimpse into the future of urban agriculture?
Growroom’s spherical shape means it can also double as a covered outdoor public space.
Sustainability | Sep 19, 2016
Brussels’ Botanic Center apartment block looks to live up to its name with the addition of 10,000 plants and a rooftop “Chrysalis”
The project, which has been commissioned and is in the design phase, would eliminate CO2 and produce its own energy.
Energy | Sep 13, 2016
Oberlin College to hold conference on post-fossil fuel economy
The gathering will address climate change and new sources of energy.
