NL architects: power flowers
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NL architects: power flowers
'power flowers' by NL architects
images courtesy of NL architects
amsterdam based studio, NL architects has designed 'power flowers',
urban windmills that can be used in densely populated areas. resulting
from an ongoing investigation into the potential of wind energy, the
turbines feature multiple branches with propellers of a reduced scale.
the altered design, available in two sizes, allows multiple turbines to be closely grouped
unlike the omnipresent three-blade turbine that requires an open radius
five times their diameter and a heavy duty infrastructure, 'power flower'
provides a less obtrusive option that can be located in domestic environments.
the tree-like design is safer and more welcoming then the traditional three-blade model
the reconfigured design features a vertical axis design that can produce
energy with wind from any direction. intended as a tool that can be used
alongside other sustainable initiatives, the turbines can be connected to
smart grids and solar panels.
detail of the miniature propellers
two models - a larger and a smaller - generate a range of energy output
and mounting options, making it ideal for both commercial and residential
use.
the new design can be located next to the source that requires energy
the turbines can be mounted virtually anywhere
detail of propeller
top view of small and large turbines
diagram of spacing required for 'power flowers'
diagram of spacing required for three-blade turbines
technical drawing of small model
technical drawing of large model
yeah kill the birds! kill kill! only blood and feathers left
hitchcock 03.01.11
* pigeon-slicers.
* energy inefficient: please hire a physicist
* nature is not regular but grown: please hire a designer
* energy inefficient: please hire a physicist
* nature is not regular but grown: please hire a designer
phew 03.01.11
A real designer should have concerns with this proposal. How does the rotational movement of the propellers actually connect with a dynamo? Normally it's a direct axle connection, as in the 'detail of propeller' photo. This system must rely on flexible axles (novel!) which must then mesh together at the main stem (super-complex!). If that's been thought about, then NL might offer some explanation in their 'technical drawings'. If that thinking hasn't been done, then shame on them for such a shallow exercise. Photoshop will not save the planet.
Martin 03.01.11
Hoy utopia, maņana realidad!! Muy interesante la idea, especialmente para dentro de un par de aņos
maria Cba 03.01.11
It is astounding to read the hate in the postings. Although criticism is important should also be backed up with the right information. Helix-like turbines are known to revolve at low speeds, thus, not killing or slicing wildlife. Second if you analyze the image of the detail it clearly illustrates where the dynamo would go. Check the link above for a product that is available which could be incorporated to this idea.
http://www.oregonwind.com/revolutionfacts.html
I personally applaud the effort of trying to conceive solutions for low-impact power-generation and as NL explains, this is intended to be combined with other sources such as solar panels, it is NOT intended to be the silver bullet to solve all energy problems.
NL, Good Job!
http://www.oregonwind.com/revolutionfacts.html
I personally applaud the effort of trying to conceive solutions for low-impact power-generation and as NL explains, this is intended to be combined with other sources such as solar panels, it is NOT intended to be the silver bullet to solve all energy problems.
NL, Good Job!
DsgnCrit 03.01.11
tree-like design... NO!
mykonos ?... NO! NO!
San pietro... NO! NO! NO!
please install them elsewhere (perhaps just on buildings...)
mykonos ?... NO! NO!
San pietro... NO! NO! NO!
please install them elsewhere (perhaps just on buildings...)
Hasko 03.01.11
Okay, just because its shaped like a tree, doesn't make it one with the earth. I am seeing Huge wind storm liabilities. what happens if these spinning tops get hit by a strong wind? You obviously haven't been to Kansas!! How about real trees. Those work really well. I would think that small wind harvesters could be mounted on roof tops and be housed in some sort of cage so the birds don't get killed.
it would have to be cone shaped so it wouldn't hold snow....etc.
it would have to be cone shaped so it wouldn't hold snow....etc.
skibeth 03.01.11
what about noise????
gdfdsfd 03.01.11
Good effort!!!!
I like the idea of scaling down energy production and forming it's "factories" into "natural" shapes.
But now how about scaling down a bit more. Could the rotors be the leaves of a tree? Could they start looking like a tree? Can they provide other things apart from energy that will make them more treelike, like shadow or shelter from rain or camouflage or etc etc?
This ain't over yet!!!!
I like the idea of scaling down energy production and forming it's "factories" into "natural" shapes.
But now how about scaling down a bit more. Could the rotors be the leaves of a tree? Could they start looking like a tree? Can they provide other things apart from energy that will make them more treelike, like shadow or shelter from rain or camouflage or etc etc?
This ain't over yet!!!!
S 03.01.11
:X
pepe 03.01.11
This is brilliant!!! And so aesthetically beautiful. This appealing design would fit into almost anywhere!! This new concept will no doubt trigger more ideas for ecological protection!
The birds? If they are city birds they are pretty savvy!
A flock blew out the transformer (and computers) on our block last week!!
The birds? If they are city birds they are pretty savvy!
A flock blew out the transformer (and computers) on our block last week!!
toadstooldiva 03.02.11
I think this is a great concept. Of course it needs some refining but a great start! I love the idea of breaking energy production into smaller components and scattering them across a city. And there's a lot more dangerous things for birds in a city than these. People who post useless hate comments should take their heads out of their asses and start to think more optimistic on things. If you criticise make it constructive or back it up with facts why something wouldn't work.
@phew: "nature is not regular but grown: please hire a designer"... umm.. what?
@Hasko: come on, that's all you got to say about this project? Cool down, they're only photoshopped pictures, examples of how these trees could be used not plans for real placement.
@skibeth: How exactly do you use a real tree as a source for energy? I don't think they intended to replace all trees with these..
@phew: "nature is not regular but grown: please hire a designer"... umm.. what?
@Hasko: come on, that's all you got to say about this project? Cool down, they're only photoshopped pictures, examples of how these trees could be used not plans for real placement.
@skibeth: How exactly do you use a real tree as a source for energy? I don't think they intended to replace all trees with these..
nc 03.02.11
Very low efficiency idea
g* 03.02.11
don't know the technical aspects but in terms of aesthetics it should be refined a lot...also in photoshop (San Pietro square is totally disproportionate..and I prefer Mikonos scenary without such odd trees)
ambini 03.03.11
I think readers lacks of imagination,
the project is amazing,
and the pictures are provocative, intriguing and beautiful.
They should build a skyscraper in San Pietro,
may be a cross shape skyscraper.
the project is amazing,
and the pictures are provocative, intriguing and beautiful.
They should build a skyscraper in San Pietro,
may be a cross shape skyscraper.
not a bird 03.03.11
I do forsee a problem with wildlife till they get adjusted to this. But I would gladly have one in my yard. Put me down as a yes
roscoe2000 03.04.11
Yes, this looks very much like my design of 2006:
http://www.halfbakery.com/idea/Wind_20tree#1149442556
I think they might have stolen it.
http://www.halfbakery.com/idea/Wind_20tree#1149442556
I think they might have stolen it.
Lorenzo 03.06.11
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