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

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