Vertical Sky, the next generation wind turbine for sustainable, silent and decentralized energy production.

Project Information

Vertical Sky

Grant agreement ID: 876355

DOI

10.3030/876355

Project closed

EC signature date 11 July 2019

Start date 1 August 2019

End date 30 November 2019

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

AGILE WIND POWER AG
Switzerland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Vertical Sky (Vertical Sky, the next generation wind turbine for sustainable, silent and decentralized energy production.)

Reporting period: 2019-08-01 to 2019-11-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Vertical Sky is a disruptive wind turbine solution using a vertical axis configuration. Our innovative approach includes a patented active pitch control system to maximise the efficiency of the blades at each position in the rotation. This SME Instrument Phase 1 project is a study of the feasibility of Vertical Sky and the planning of the future developments of the project.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

The feasibility study has examined Vertical Sky from the technical, commercial and financial prespectives.
Technically, the control system has been reviewed to better define the requirements for the further development of the Vertical Sky software for pitch control. The processes for manufacturing of the physical components of Vertical Sky, including a new gearbox and tubular tower design, have been analysed and a route for their optimisation proposed. A programme of further testing and the future EIC Accelerator project have been proposed. Technical risks associated with those have been identified, as well as associated mitigation actions.
Commercially, a detailed market analysis has been prepared, including also regulatory and certification issues. Intellectual property rights have been examined to confirm the freedom to operate. Based on this a commercial strategy has been developed, including communication and disseminations activitites.Commercial risks have also been identified and mitigation actions proposed.
Financially, the financing needs of the project and the projections for the company have been calculated.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Vertical Sky will be the first commercially viable vertical axis wind turbine at the megawatt scale. Because the blade tip speed is significantly lower, Vertical Sky is three times quieter than a conventional horizontal axis wind turbine. As a result Vertical Sky can be placed much closer to populated areas. It will have a significant impact on the distributed generation market, making renewable electricity generation using wind power viable for industry and commercial activities. Distributed generation is a key piece in the global strategy to reduce fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against global warming.

Artist’s rendering of Vertical Sky positioned near a residential area

Artist’s rendering of Vertical Sky in a commercial distributed generation application