Wind energy has traditionally suffered in small-scale applications, with high costs and low energy returns it prohibitive. Most turbines are unable to produce electricity when wind velocity falls below a certain speed, with the potential energy going to waste.
The generator developed by Alberta’s Andy Knight and team has an open loop system constructed with cheap and simple electronics components, and able to produce electricity even at very low wind speeds.
The device is not currently practical for home application, with the safety aspect of wind turbines in the home an important consideration, but Knight hopes his design will be a stepping stone to the provision of cheap, clean energy on a micro-community scale.
“My work is something that can make a small change, and it’s probably a bunch of small changes here and there that will add up and one day have a big impact,” he said.
