Modular cells bring wind power anywhere

Could this innovative design supercharge the green energy transition?

Spotted: Wind energy is growing rapidly, making up over a quarter of total renewable capacity in 2023. But unlike solar power, which can be easily installed in most settings, traditional wind turbines and farms are extremely space-intensive, which limits where the tech can be installed and could slow future growth. Now, Eolic Wall may have a solution.

The Peruvian startup has developed compact, modular wind cells that are designed to decentralise and democratise wind energy generation, so that power can be created close to the end source. Partner at Eolic Wall, Alfonso Mujica, told Springwise that Eolic Cells “achieves the efficiency of giant turbines at a fraction of the size and adapts to the energy needs of each user.”

Eolic Cells are aerodynamic structures designed to increase wind speed, allowing them to harness more power from the same wind resource. The patented system features a magnetic levitation rotor that’s supported by a peripheral ring, as well as strategically placed permanent magnets. This design allows the rotor to freely rotate with minimal friction, which boosts energy generation and cuts down on wear and tear to boost the life of the Cell. Electricity is created using a cutting-edge arc modular generator, which was co-developed with Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

For places that are unsuited to traditional, large-scale turbines – including on residential and commercial sites – Eolic Cells could provide an ideal alternative. Mujica explained that the Cells are “designed to stack like LEGOs to form larger structures capable of fitting every energy need with a unique solution and growing gradually as required.”

Written By: Matilda Cox