Tag Archives: BMW Startup Garage

BMW Piloting Innovative Wind Turbine Device

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Looking for ways to reduce its carbon footprint. . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

While there is currently some concern in the U.S. about the consequents of wind turbines, a clever alternative that collects wind energy with no visible moving parts. BMW Group is trying it out at its MINI plant in Oxford, U.K.

The wind energy unit, developed by Aeromine Technologies, is located on top of a building toward the prevailing wind.

There are wing-like vertical airfoils in the unit. These create a vacuum and suck the air into the unit where an internal propeller spins to create electricity

As it is contained, there is little likelihood that there would be an abundance of birds meeting an untimely end.

Rather than the familiar wind turbine design, that white box-like object is fitted with vertical airfoils that draw in air and an internal propeller to generate electricity. It is said to be quiet and friendlier to the avian population. BMW is piloting the unit from Aeromine Technologies at its plant in Oxford, U.K. (Image: BMW)

The pilot project at the plant is on the body shop building, which has had solar panels on its roof for 10 years.

The rationale for trying out the wind power is because the solar panels are less effective during the evening and winter, when apparently there is an abundance of wind.

BMW Group’s engagement with Aeromine came through the company’s “BMW Startup Garage,” which works to connect BMW business units with startup companies.