'Wind Forest,' the winning concept from this year's Land Art Generator Initiative competition in Glasgow, Scotland, solves several of the biggest problems people have with wind turbines today. The bright white, spinning blades of the most common current turbine designs pose many problems: they are loud, mechanically complex, hazardous to avian wildlife and they're unattractive. Wind Forest solves these problems while also reducing construction and maintenance costs and requiring smaller foundations.
As the name suggests, the cylindrical turbines are inspired by forests, with a color palette "that draws from the year-round colors of natural deciduous woodlands" around Glasgow, according to the Wind Forest team.
In lieu of spinning blades, the stems generate energy by oscillating in place as the wind blows by, transferring that kinetic energy into a collection cell in the foundation. This technology could reinvent wind power across the world.
Arboreal Wind Turbines
'Wind Forest' Creates Green Energy in Style
Trend Themes
1. Arboreal Wind Turbines - Wind turbines inspired by forests and designed to oscillate in place could revolutionize wind power worldwide.
2. Avian-friendly Turbine Designs - Designing turbines that pose less of a threat to avian wildlife could become a major trend in the renewable energy sector.
3. Aesthetically Pleasing Wind Power - The development of wind turbines that are both functional and visually appealing could lead to a shift in public perception and acceptance of wind power as a viable energy source.
Industry Implications
1. Renewable Energy - The renewable energy industry could benefit greatly from the development of more efficient, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing wind turbines.
2. Architecture and Design - The design and implementation of structures that integrate renewable energy sources presents disruptive innovation opportunities for architecture and design firms.
3. Wildlife Conservation - Innovations in wind turbine design that prioritize wildlife conservation could have a significant impact on the wildlife conservation industry and lead to more sustainable practices.