Is THIS answer to fuel price crisis?
HOUSEHOLDERS could soon be able to transform their garden or garage roof into a powergenerating wind farm thanks to pioneering technology being developed in Scotland.
Revolutionary hexagonal windpanels will allow homeowners to harness the breeze to produce their own electricity without the need for massive turbines.
Glasgow-based Katrick Technologies, which is about to unveil its device at a trade conference, believes the system could offer a welcome solution to soaring domestic energy bills.
In a traditional turbine, electricity is generated as the wind blows the blades around an axle.
But in the new system, aerofoils mounted in a hexagonal panel flap in the wind, with the oscillations running a generator.
Two hexagons should create enough electricity to power an average home.
Marketing manager Alexandra Basso said: ‘Wind goes over the aerofoils, they oscillate and turn at the same time to capture the maximum wind energy.
‘These are connected to a generator that creates energy and it is fed through a system that can be connected to the national grid or for personal use.’
She added: ‘You can place them on garages, gardens, warehouses – as well as in actual wind farms – to maximise wind capture.’
The growth of wind farms has fuelled debate as scenic hillsides have been carpeted in turbines.
Traditional turbines work best in open countryside where wind blows steadily in one direction. However, the new panels, as well as being small enough to be used in built-up areas, operate in the gusty conditions that can be found around buildings.
The size of the domestic design is still being worked on. However, a bank of 12 hexagons generating enough energy to run electrical components at an airport costs £15,000. Two small panels should provide 3700kw of energy, enough for the ‘average’ house.
Miss Basso said: ‘We want to make sure people can do this without being overwhelmed by the cost.’
Katrick Technologies will be exhibiting at an energy event at the Scottish Event Campus on Wednesday and Thursday.
Karthik Velayutham, co-CEO and founder, said: ‘In the wake of Cop26, generating awareness and building new business relationships in net-zero technology is more important than ever.
‘These events are an ideal platform to support key developments on the journey to net-zero.’