Renewable Energy Solutions Australia (RESA) is the owner of what it calls the world’s most advanced silent wind turbine for mid-sized applications, about 20kW. The turbine features a 30-blade design that is almost silent and up to 30 per cent more efficient than traditional 3-bladed designs. The Eco Whisper Turbine stands 21.1-m high and can produce high energy in low or high winds with a footprint of only 21 m2. In comparison, the same output from solar panels would require 250 m2.
Following two years of development and testing in Australia, the turbine is ready. It’s first commercial installation is in Tullamarine. The turbine was a finalist in the 2011 Australian Cleantech Awards and was recently awarded a $250,000 commercialisation grant from the Australian government.
The Eco Whisper Turbine can offset medium to large energy requirements. It is suited to commercial, manufacturing, and industrial sites and other applications. It also works on and off grid application with a particular focus on remote communities and diesel replacement.
Other plusses are that it collects wind more efficiently and there are no turn away losses, it delivers more energy from more common wind speeds than three bladed designs, and it performs well in all wind conditions (lower start up speed compared to competitors).