Ridgeblade Wind-Powered Microsystems Wins Green Challenge with Discreet New Technology

September 27th, 2009 by Beth Graddon-Hodgson

There has been evidence suggested that rooftop wind turbines (micro wind turbines for the home) just aren’t effective, and in some cases even pose a safety risk. However, that hasn’t stopped the engineering of other home wind turbine technologies that might just improve upon those already offerred on the market. In the Dutch Postcode Lottery’s Green Challenge which took place this past week, a new type of wind turbine was unveiled that’s said to have a high-efficiency, working in weather conditions where there is minimal wind; and it also has a more discreet look that better blends in with the architecture of any home.

The Ridgeblade wind-powered microsystem was created by a former turbine engineer who worked with Rolls Royce and was created with the intention of entering this week’s green challenge in order to win the grand prize of 500,000 Euro which would allow them to take their invention from a prototype to a marketable system. The design of the Ridgeblade home turbine system is unique in that the cylindrical turbines are placed horizonally along a roof. By placing them at the top of a roof’s slope, the archetecture of the roof will naturally channel air to the turbine system making them more efficient even in less favorable weather conditions. Plus, their design is far more discreet than other home wind turbines that have appeared on the market, so the Ridgeblade company hopes that this will give them widespread appeal amongst those who still want to preserve the aesthetics of their home while reducing their energy consumption.

With the funding received from the Green Challenge, the company plans to make their product marketable to home owners worldwide looking to bring a greener method of energy generation to their homes.

Via: Springwise

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Tags: Dutch Postcode Lottery, Green Challenge, home turbines, microsystem, Ridgeblade

About the Author

Beth Graddon-Hodgson

Ed

Very interesting. Do they have a web site?
http://www.domesticwindturbinesblog.com Domestic Wind Turbines

There maybe an additional benefit which is also very important.

This turbine doesn’t not look like a turbine and therefore it may be easier to get planning permission. Lots of installations are opposed be neighbours who don’t like the way they look.
http://www.domesticwindturbinesblog.com Domestic Wind Turbines

There maybe an additional benefit which is also very important.

This turbine doesn’t not look like a turbine and therefore it may be easier to get planning permission. Lots of installations are opposed be neighbours who don’t like the way they look.
Windy Miller

The Ridgeblade won the Green Challenge and rightly so. The team are worthy winners and i guess the tech will transform the house of the future… http://www.greenchallenge.info/
Windy Miller

The Ridgeblade won the Green Challenge and rightly so. The team are worthy winners and i guess the tech will transform the house of the future… http://www.greenchallenge.info/