Bladeless wind turbines get upgrade with new design for quiet power

Researchers at the University of Glasgow have advanced the design of bladeless wind turbines (BWTs) through computer simulations that identify the most efficient configurations for future models. Unlike conventional turbines that use rotating blades, BWTs harness vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) by oscillating a tall, slender mast in the wind. This novel approach offers several advantages: BWTs are quieter, occupy less space, require less maintenance due to their simpler structure, and pose less risk to birds, which often collide with fast-spinning blades of traditional turbines. The study pinpointed an optimal design featuring an 80-centimeter tall mast with a 65-centimeter diameter, capable of safely generating up to 460 watts of power—significantly outperforming current prototypes that produce around 100 watts. This design balances power output with structural integrity, ensuring safety in wind speeds ranging from 20 to 70 miles per hour. The researchers suggest that their methodology could enable scaling BWTs to produce 1 kil