José Alberto Navarro Martínez, Wind Aerodynamics Consultant, Altran
The Vortex project, a wind-powered generator without moving parts, has won first prize for the Madrid company Deutecno in the energy category at South Summit 2014, a competition recently held in Madrid.
Vortex project technology is reportedly based on resonant vibration caused by the wind and imposed on a semi-rigid vertical cylinders anchored to the ground. The cylinder is made with piezoelectric materials and glass or carbon fibers. The tower generates electric power with the deformation of piezoelectric materials – crystals that generate a small voltage when mechanically stressed.
Without moving parts, this wind turbine would save on manufacturing and maintenance costs compared to conventional units, and according to the blog for the Foundation for Knowledge madri + d. Its designers add that the turbine operates in a wider speed range than conventional turbine. However, the article offered few other design details.
Vortex team promoters, supported by the Foundation for Knowledge madri + d during its launch, won a second place prize in 2009 for a Best Business Plan.
A second session of the South Summit was attended by 35 national and international investment funds. The start-up winner in each of five categories will receive funding and support for international commercialization as well as greater visibility and access to potential strategic partnerships. The competition included 3,000 projects from across Spain, the Mediterranean, and Latin America.
Filed Under: News, Turbines
