Wind energy converter inspired by ancient boats is more efficient than turbines with blades

[Bill USA]

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-tunisia-eind-energy-tracked-idUSKCN0XM0ZJ

A bladeless wind energy convertor inspired by the sailing boats of Ancient Carthage is set to breeze past traditional turbines in terms of efficiency, according to its Tunisian developers.

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The designers, led by 37-year-old engineer Anis Aouini, looked to the old technology of sailing boats, as well as the movements of birds and fish for their design. They were inspired by the sailors of the ancient civilisation of Carthage, located close to the present-day Tunisian capital.

The bladeless design uses a non-rotational sail-shaped body combined with a wind converter that follows a figure of eight pattern in the air.

All wind turbines are subject to the Betz limit of capturing 59 percent of the energy from wind, but its developers say the Saphonian is quite capable of surpassing this limit because it is bladeless, making it far more efficient than traditional turbines.

Saphon Energy says the Saphonian will be able to convert wind to energy at around 80 percent. Its lower cost could make it an attractive source of off-grid energy in developing countries.
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I wonder about the durability of this design since the dish is on an armature which rotates while the dish goes through a mulitiple axis rotation. Seems like it would induce a periodic motion to the tower on which it is mounted. This kind of motion could destroy the tower given enough time. also, as wind speed climbs turbine blades can be trimmed so as to not rotate too fast. How would they cope with variable wind speeds that could exceed the tolerances of the transmission?

[HooptieWagon]

1. What a poorly written article.

Firstly, the device does in fact have a rotational component, as is clearly observed in the video. Secondly, the ancient Carthage ships had dozens of slaves with oars, because the sails were so inefficient. Thirdly, I see no similarity between the wind generator and an ancient Carthage sail. The wind generator does have potential, and is worth further development. But grossly inaccurate stories don't help its case to be made.