Nº 6
__________
could design remove the
number one hurdle to wind
produced energy?
AIRATE WIND TURBINES
The genesis of Airate was a project to
rehabilitate derelict square block lots in
Manhattan. Aside from green space, the
challenge became how to have the space
“give back” to the city. Energy generation
was an immediate choice, with wind
energy the preferred route.
Two problems became apparent. One,
large scale wind turbines must be set
against a prevailing wind, causing them to
operate a peak efficiency 30% of the time.
Secondly, they are considered unsightly
and therefore usually consigned to remote
or offshore locations.
The solution, Airate. A patented vertical
wind turbine that accepts wind from any
direction and whose aesthetic, sculptural
appeal is welcomed in populated environments.
The design was nominated for the
2010 World Technology Summit Awards.
