VATIS UPDATE Article

Developed by Tyer Wind, Tunisia, a flapping machine is on the far edge of quirky. Employing dual oscillating blades that mimic the figure-8 motion of the wings of a hovering hummingbird, the turbine’s relatively compact design make it a potential fit for residential use. Constructed of carbon fiber, the two vertical axis wings of the Tyer Wind turbine are 5.25 feet in length (1.6m) for a total sweep area of 11.7 feet (3.56m).

This relatively compact size is less than the sweep area for typical three-blade horizontal-axis wind turbines made for residential use. Though the Tyer turbine’s rated power output of 1 kW is also less. The turbine is said to give off less noise pollution compared to conventional wind turbines, be safer for migrating birds, less visually obtrusive, and allow for a higher density of turbines in a wind farm configuration. The company has plans for a large-scale version of the turbine, for use in either onshore or offshore wind farms.

The Tyer Wind turbine is still in the testing phase, gathering data on such things as power efficiency, aerodynamic behavior, material resistance and stress over the mast, so no word yet from the company on a number of key specs, including real world performance capabilities or price and release date. If it even gets to that point given that Aouini’s Saphonian turbine has yet to hit the market. Contact: TYER Wind, 3, Impasse n°3, Avenue Azouz, Rebaï, El Manar 2, PO Box 2092, Tunis, Tunisia. Tel: +216-71-886-808; Fax: +216-71-887-068; E-mail: info@tyerwind.com.