Biome Renewables is introducing a new retrofit turbine device, designed to optimize wind-power generation. The PowerCone attaches directly to a turbine’s hub and co-rotates with the rotor. With no moving parts, the PowerCone’s unique biomimetic design passively channels incoming wind onto turbine blades to help them capture more of the wind that’s already blowing.

The result is not just more power, but power from a place where no bigger blade or smarter software can find it.

The first full-scale PowerCone is under construction now by Competition Composites (CCI) of Arnprior, Ontario, Canada’s Ottawa Valley manufacturing hub.

PowerCone test results at TUDelft, and more than 25,000 person hours of R&D have shown increases in annual energy production of up to 13%. DNV Turbine Engineering has also indicated reduced loads on system-critical components.

The PowerCone captures more available wind. What’s more: By addressing root leakage, it lowers cut-in speeds, increases torque, reduces loads and ultimately makes a turbine more effective and efficient.

The PowerCone’s unique solution was developed by biomimetic innovator Ryan Church, CEO and CTO of Toronto-based Biome Renewables. Inspired by the kingfisher and the maple seed, Ryan applied fluid dynamic principles and a re-thinking of Betz’ Law to create and engineer the PowerCone, a revolutionary device that has broad range of applications.

The prototype will be installed this summer at the Skyway8 wind farm northeast of Toronto, in partnership with Capstone Power. Leading independent entities, such as DNV-GL, Power Factors and NREL will be assessing the technology.