Agile Wind Power tests vertical wind turbine in Brütten

According to a press release, Agile Wind Power has been testing a scaled-down version of its vertical wind turbine in Brütten since the end of October. The company, based in Dübendorf ZH, wants to test the control technology in the field. The tests in the wind tunnel had produced positive results.

The test facility represents a milestone for the company. "This is an important step for confidence in the development of the plant," says Laurenz Zellweger, responsible for communications at Agile Wind Power. The rotors of a full-size test turbine in Grevenbroich, Germany, were cracked and then broke off, according to Zellweger the result of resonances in the rotor.

The rotors of the Agile Wind Power turbine rotate around the mast instead of around a scar at the top of the mast, as is the case with conventional wind turbines. With a tower height of 133 meters in the A40 version and a rotor length of 65 meters, the diameter of the turbine is still only 40 meters.

Agile Wind Power calls its innovative design Vertical Sky. The aim is to reduce the noise level of the system, simplify the logistics of installation and maintenance and reduce operating costs. In addition, locations could be used that are not yet suitable for wind power.

The field trial in Brütten is expected to last around a year. ce/stk