Crossflow Energy, a renewable energy technology specialist, has launched the Crossflow Wind Turbine that will make it easier for telecoms projects to incorporate wind power.
The unique wind turbine is reliable and easy to install, specifically addressing the issues that have historically inhibited the adoption of small-scale wind in the past. The development means wind power can now be embedded in telecoms infrastructure to enable mobile connectivity in buildings, urban settings and rural communities.
Martin Barnes, CEO at Crossflow Energy, comments: “Up until now, small wind has not played an integral part in the race to Net Zero. The issues around performance, reliability, and planning concerns associated with noise, vibrations and ecology, have held back the wider adoption of small wind technology. The Crossflow wind turbine addresses all of these challenges head on, opening up a wealth of applications and possibilities for the telecoms sector. It has the potential to be as commonplace as solar.”
Initial deployment within the telecom sector will be with Vodafone, supporting its target of achieving Net Zero on its own carbon emissions in the UK by 2027. The Crossflow turbine will be helping Vodafone power new mobile sites in the most remote locations, without the major challenge and cost of connecting to the electricity grid. The new tech will also play a major role in Vodafone and the Shared Rural Network achieving 4G coverage across 95 percent of the UK by the end of 2025.
The Crossflow turbine is a scalable Transverse Axis Wind Turbine. The small, efficient and reliable turbine incorporates a patented shield designed in collaboration with Swansea University through extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations. This increases airflow, delivering optimum lift and drag performance across a wide range of wind speeds. In addition, its advanced light-weight blade has optimised aerodynamics to harvest maximum wind energy and ensure it’s self-starting at low wind speeds.
The turbine’s low rotational speed, creates minimal noise and ultra-low vibrations, extending its operational uptime and minimising maintenance. The turbine design is bird and bat friendly, addressing planning concerns, even in the most ecologically sensitive sites.
It can be deployed as a standalone entity or combined with solar and battery technology to enhance renewable energy generation in either new build or retrofit applications.
Barnes concludes: “By addressing the historical barriers, it has never been easier for those working on telecoms projects to add wind to the renewable energy mix. The Crossflow wind turbine is the perfect solution for anyone focused on CO2 reduction or the Net Zero agenda.”
