The Future of Renewable Energy in Ireland? Harnessing our Wind Power from Rooftop to Rooftop
- Kieran Morley
- Jun 18, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 16
Aeromine Technologies has introduced a groundbreaking innovation in wind energy: a compact, motionless wind turbine designed for large commercial rooftops. This bladeless wind energy unit, equipped with a magnetic generator, can provide 5 kW of capacity per unit. The company recently secured $9 million in funding to scale its innovative design, highlighting the growing interest and investment in alternative renewable energy solutions.
This new technology from Aeromine is particularly noteworthy for its ability to produce 50% more energy than rooftop solar panels at a similar cost. The unit, which leverages aerodynamics similar to airfoils in race cars, captures and amplifies building airflow when installed on the edge of rooftops such as apartment buildings, big box stores, factories, or warehouses. This design allows it to generate energy round-the-clock, provided the wind is blowing, and it requires only about 10% of the space needed by traditional solar panels.

Aeromine has garnered significant interest, receiving nearly 11,000 inquiries from over 6,500 companies and maintaining a pipeline of 400 qualified projects. Its technology appeals primarily to sectors such as industrial, logistics, automotive, commercial, and government, where distributed power solutions are increasingly strategic.
One of the significant advantages of Aeromine's technology is its minimal visual and noise impact compared to conventional wind turbines. Traditional wind turbines are often criticised for their noise, visual intrusion, and danger to migratory birds. In contrast, Aeromine’s system is virtually silent and motionless. Additionally, by mounting these turbines on rooftops, the power is generated closer to where it is needed, reducing the necessity for expensive long-distance transmission infrastructure.

The technology is robust, with each unit weighing just over 1,000 lbs and capable of withstanding winds of up to 120 mph, with upgrades available for hurricane resistance. The Aeromine system employs a state-of-the-art rotor/stator configuration with a 5 kW permanent magnet generator. A typical installation might involve connecting ten units, adding 50 kW of capacity to a rooftop. Depending on the roof height and average wind speed, the energy output can vary significantly, from 20,000 kWh per year at lower wind speeds to over 150,000 kWh per year at higher wind speeds.
For the Irish renewable energy market, which heavily relies on solar PV for commercial and domestic use and large wind turbines in rural areas, Aeromine's technology offers a promising alternative. The compact, quiet, and efficient turbines could mitigate the resistance faced by large wind farms due to their visual and noise impact. Moreover, the ability to install these units on existing rooftops in urban and suburban settings means that renewable energy generation can be more widely distributed, reducing dependence on large, centralised power plants and enhancing grid resilience.

As Aeromine plans to introduce its commercial solution to the European and North American markets by 2025, it presents a significant opportunity for Ireland to diversify its renewable energy portfolio. By integrating Aeromine’s turbines with existing solar PV systems, Ireland can enhance its renewable energy capacity, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable energy future.
Comments