Bladeless wind turbine

A new turbine for small-scale plants develops a patent issued to Nikola Tesla in 1913. According to the manufacturer, it has economic and environmental benefits

A newly patented innovative bladeless turbine could prove to be particularly competitive for micro-generation.

According to its manufacturer, American-based Solar Aero, the new Fuller turbine (named after its inventor) over the lifetime of the unit total operating costs will amount to 9 euro cents per kWh: totally comparable to current retail electrical costs.

The project is the evolution of a model patented in 1913 by the well-known Serbian scientist Nikola Tesla. The turbine consists of an array of closely spaced, parallel, thin metal disks, separated by spacers. They are arranged so that when air flows in these spacers, these provide inward momentum to the air, causing the disks to move. The mechanical power produced by this movement is then transferred to a shaft connected to a common generator.

According to the manufacturer, the new turbine has significant advantages. For example, unlike conventional wind turbines, its efficiency is practically stable even with very different wind speeds. Moreover, since it is has no blades, it can be mounted on a shorter tower or on a pole. Finally there is no risk of damage for flying birds.

In fact, the turbine is enclosed in a small and light compact unit, so that it can be easily installed on building roofs.

Be noted that according to the manufacturer, the new turbine can be used purposes other than wind. For example, for geothermal applications, even with relatively cool fluids.

(May 2010)