Enhancing wind energy production in the South Baltic area through student-driven innovation and cross-border collaboration.
Overview: The project contributes to Interreg’s goal of enhancing blue and green growth potential in the South Baltic area through cross-border cooperation by establishing a regional ecosystem focused on improving wind energy production. This involves developing links between countries, fostering the creation of spin-off SMEs, and supporting existing SMEs with open access to knowledge.
Key Objectives: The project aims to motivate university students to design and fabricate proof-of-concept demonstrators of wind turbines with enhanced efficiency. It focuses on improving aerodynamic efficiency, reducing maintenance costs and noise, minimising threats to wildlife, and enhancing seaworthiness and energy output for marine turbines.
Main Activities: The project organises a competition for students to innovate on Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) designs. It provides participants with comprehensive resources, including access to a repository of published material, manufacturing facilities, and expert support. Webinars cover essential analysis, design, and business skills, encouraging the development of spin-off SMEs and practical applications of innovative solutions.
Impact: By focusing on VAWT concept, the project aims to enhance the aerodynamic efficiency of wind turbines through advanced blade pitch control methods. The initiative makes all project-generated information available via an Open Access Repository, supporting widespread implementation and knowledge sharing without seeking financial gain or competitive advantage in the region.