Flower Turbines
Wind turbines that work in urban areas and at low wind speeds.
By Hanna Perks
Summary
Conventional wind turbines have their drawbacks: they are costly to install and operate, they are not suitable for urban areas and they can pose dangers to birds and wildlife.Flower Turbines aims to fill this critical gap in the renewable energy market by designing and manufacturing small, quiet wind turbines optimised for urban and suburban areas.Flower Turbines are designed to start generating power at wind speeds as low as 0.7 metres per second, far lower than most conventional turbines. What’s more, their efficiency increases when multiple units are used together in a “bouquet” configuration.
While wind energy holds immense promise for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, harnessing it in densely populated urban areas presents unique challenges. Urban spaces are frequently overlooked in wind energy planning, as conventional wind turbines are often impractical for these environments.
See our Mangrove Profile on Ibis Power for more information on the challenges associated with harnessing energy in urban environments.
Large-scale turbines demand considerable space, generate notable noise, and can disrupt city aesthetics, limiting their feasibility and acceptance in high-density settings.
Additional challenges associated with conventional wind turbines include:
Traditional wind turbines pose risks to birds and bats, leading to fatalities due to collisions with rotating blades, which can disrupt local ecosystems.
Large, industrial-scale turbines can be visually intrusive, potentially impacting the natural and architectural beauty of cityscapes and scenic areas, and reducing public acceptance.
The installation, maintenance, and operational expenses of conventional wind turbines are significant, often making them less economical for smaller-scale or urban applications.
Standard wind turbines often fail to operate effectively in low-wind environments, limiting their power output in urban areas where wind speeds tend to be lower and more inconsistent.
Wind capacity must expand significantly by 2030 to align with the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Scenario. However, without innovative solutions for city and suburban landscapes, it will be challenging to achieve this target.
Flower Turbines aims to fill this critical gap in the renewable energy market by designing and manufacturing small, quiet wind turbines optimized for urban and suburban areas.
Flower Turbines’ solution relies on two key aspects: design and efficiency. Unlike traditional three-bladed turbines, Flower Turbines produce small, two-bladed turbines in three different sizes to accommodate various settings, from household rooftops to small commercial spaces. The turbines’ design is intentionally quiet and safe for birds, ensuring they can operate in populated areas without disturbing people or wildlife. The compact, attractive design adds an artistic element, turning each turbine into a feature that blends with the urban environment rather than clashing with it.
One of the most innovative aspects of Flower Turbines’ technology is the "Bouquet Effect," a concept that significantly boosts energy output. When Flower Turbines are placed in close proximity, their performance improves due to a unique interaction between them that increases their efficiency.
In “bouquet formation”, four turbines can generate as much power as eight standalone units, offering a highly efficient setup for areas with limited space. This arrangement not only maximizes energy production but also optimizes the use of available space, making Flower Turbines an ideal solution for urban and suburban rooftops or smaller land areas where conventional setups would be too bulky.
Another standout feature of Flower Turbines’ approach is their Eco-Roof Energy Hub, a solution that combines wind and solar power to create a highly efficient, sustainable energy source for buildings with flat roofs. By merging both renewable sources, this hybrid system enables buildings to generate more energy without invasive installations, which is essential for many urban environments with space constraints or regulatory restrictions. The Eco-Roof Hub also leverages the Bouquet Effect, optimizing energy generation from both wind and solar sources while utilizing limited space.
Flower Turbines are designed to start generating power at wind speeds as low as 0.7 meters per second, far lower than many conventional turbines. This capability is achieved through aerodynamic design and lightweight materials, allowing the turbines to capture energy even from gentle breezes. Although the output at very low wind speeds may be modest, the turbines’ ability to operate frequently at low speeds enhances their overall efficiency and makes them a reliable energy source in areas where wind levels may fluctuate.
While Flower Turbines are uniquely suited to urban environments, their applications are broad and adaptable. Designed for durability and longevity, these turbines can operate for up to 20 years and are viable in a range of settings, including rural and off-grid locations. The low-maintenance design and bird-safe operation make them suitable for both remote communities and city neighborhoods, where traditional turbines are impractical.
Flower Turbines exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to renewable energy, focusing on reducing fossil fuel reliance by making clean energy accessible and appealing in diverse settings. By addressing the practical and aesthetic challenges of wind power in urban areas, the company is helping pave the way for distributed energy solutions that can empower households and businesses to contribute to a cleaner energy future.