BBC:
[...] The O-Wind turbine is a 25cm spherical device which sits on a fixed axis. The geometric structure of its vents means that it spins when wind hits it from any direction.
This wind energy turns the device which triggers a generator, which, in turn, converts the wind energy into electricity.
The next stage of its development will focus on finding ways to build it so it will be cheap enough for anyone to buy.
[...] "Using low-cost and sustainable materials like recycled plastic we hope to produce the O-Wind Turbine at a low cost, allowing it to be sold at a price accessible to everyone."
ROI has been a killer for urban wind solutions.
(Score: 3, Interesting) by EventH0rizon on Thursday September 06 2018, @08:10AM
Looks very unlikely to set the wind energy world on fire, but good luck to them I suppose.
The turbulence of urban wind near built structures is usually a massive deal breaker. If I knew I was going to die tomorrow and had to write a judgement on wind turbines today that would likely still be accurate in 100 years it would be this:
To a first approximation, only horizontal-axis turbines (ie: the ones that look like aeroplane propellers) will work reliably enough to provide a return on investment.