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Wind Fence Could Be the Future of Power Generation

Catwell

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The wind fence can generate 2,200 kW of power every year. (Image Credit: Airiva)

New York-based designer Joe Doucet developed a wind fence to generate clean energy for urban landscapes. This modular fence is made of twisted wind turbines and has the potential to be deployed in residential units, corporate buildings, and hotels.

Doucet started working on this concept with his company, Airiva. At first, he called it the Wind Turbine Wall and designed and tested 16 different versions. Each one had changes to the shape and size of the blades. He eventually went with three final iterations that underwent wind tunnel testing.

His team thoroughly tested them at two US-based facilities and concluded that the helix design structure was more efficient for energy generation. Each unit, measuring 14 ft x 7 ft, will be made of 80% recycled material.  With eight helix blades, the wind fence can generate approximately 2,200 kW of power per year. Five wind fences (40 blades) could enable an average American household to produce electricity without relying on the grid. That also means one wind fence can generate 20% of the power an average American household consumes per year.

Doucet introduced this wind fence idea to Airva in 2021. Custom pilot installations could happen this year, while the first commercial orders may come next year.

The wind fence stands out as a power-generation solution for real estate firms and corporations. In contrast to other wind power solutions requiring more land space, the wind fence can be installed at smaller buildings for distributed power generation.

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Parents

  • It might be more suited to long elevated structures like highway flyovers.

       1 unit = 4 blades (14 ft x 7 ft)

       1 fence = 2 units = 8 blades (28 ft x 7 ft)  (20% generation)

       5 fences = 10 units = 40 blades (140 ft x 7ft )  (100% generation)

    How does 140ft of fence compare with the size of the average American household ?

    For maximum generation it will likely have to be located at roof-top level, so perhaps looking at flat roof buildings with a parapet fence.

    Architects are perhaps going to have to start getting more creative to accommodate alternative technology like this. 

Comment

  • It might be more suited to long elevated structures like highway flyovers.

       1 unit = 4 blades (14 ft x 7 ft)

       1 fence = 2 units = 8 blades (28 ft x 7 ft)  (20% generation)

       5 fences = 10 units = 40 blades (140 ft x 7ft )  (100% generation)

    How does 140ft of fence compare with the size of the average American household ?

    For maximum generation it will likely have to be located at roof-top level, so perhaps looking at flat roof buildings with a parapet fence.

    Architects are perhaps going to have to start getting more creative to accommodate alternative technology like this. 

Children
  • in reply to beacon_dave

      The heartbreaking part of this is that the economics of it rarely make sense.  2,200 kW per year costs about $330 where I live.  It would be fantastic if they were affordable.  My work has a flat top roof and the prevailing wind hits the Southwest corner.  We could install along the West and South wall for maximum effect.

    Still... it's a step in the right direction.  They aren't ugly.