A groundbreaking innovation is set to revolutionize urban landscapes with clean energy production. New York-based designer Joe Doucet has developed the Awind Fence, a visually appealing modular structure composed of vertical wind turbines. This unique design is poised to enhance the adoption of wind energy in urban settings such as hotels, corporate buildings, and residential units.
A key component of the renewable energy mix that nations are embracing more and more in an effort to wean themselves off of fossil fuels is wind energy. Generally, the emphasis has been on building bigger turbines for larger installations, which has limited the use of wind energy in distributed energy generation. Wind turbines have had difficulties in this regard, in contrast to solar panels that can be mounted on balconies, gardens, and roofs.
In 2021, Doucet identified a gap in the market for efficient, aesthetically pleasing distributed wind energy products. This led to the creation of the Wind Turbine Wall. Over two years, Doucet and his team at Airiva, co-founded with energy industry veteran Jeff Stone, refined the design, experimenting with 16 versions of vertical turbine blades. After rigorous testing, they determined that helical blades were the most efficient.
The Wind Fence, with its eight precisely arranged helical blades, generates approximately 2,200 kilowatts of energy annually. To power an average US household, five Wind Fence units would be required. Despite the seemingly high number, each unit measures about 14 feet by seven feet, making it a feasible addition to various urban environments.
Airiva is targeting corporations, public institutions, and real estate firms rather than individual homeowners. The turbines operate noiselessly, providing an aesthetically pleasing solution that signals a commitment to sustainability. Furthermore, Airiva plans to use 80 percent recycled material in production, enhancing its environmental credentials.
The modular nature of the Wind Fence allows for scalability, enabling increased energy production at larger facilities. While it may not match the output of massive horizontal turbines, the distributed energy system offers reduced transmission losses due to proximity to usage sites.
Although commercial installations are still in the future, custom pilot projects may begin later this year, with the first orders expected in 2025. The Awind Fence represents a promising step towards integrating clean energy into urban settings, combining efficiency, aesthetics, and sustainability.