Work

Origami-inspired urban wind turbines: Scalable bladeless designs for decentralized renewable energy

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study addresses the challenges of deploying small wind turbines (SWTs) in urban environments, particularly issues related to societal objections, noise, and wildlife safety. To tackle these problems, we introduce a novel origami-inspired bladeless wind turbine that redirects axial airflow into tangential forces using internal diffuser conduits. Two 3D-printed prototypes, with rotor diameters of 15.28 cm (Model 1) and 15.74 cm (Model 2), were evaluated in a controlled wind tunnel under various scenarios, including free rotation, generator load, and variable resistive loads. We tested performance under four experimental conditions to determine power output and cut-in speeds. Results indicate that these turbines achieve high efficiency and power output at low wind speeds, with cut-in speeds of 3.2 m/s for free rotation and 5.3 m/s for loaded generation. The innovative modular design not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also allows for seamless integration into urban architectures, supporting hybrid energy systems and off-grid applications. This research advances the field by demonstrating the potential of origami-inspired turbines to overcome the limitations of conventional SWTs, providing a scalable and sustainable energy solution for modern urban settings. This research contributes to urban sustainability by offering a clean, quiet, and aesthetically adaptable solution that enhances public acceptance and environmental compatibility.

Source: Green Technologies and Sustainability

DOI: 10.1016/j.grets.2025.100253