Conventional wind turbines are designed to resist the wind. TouchWind rethinks the turbine around a rotor that adapts naturally to wind conditions.
By placing the rotor downwind and allowing it to tilt, aerodynamic forces are naturally aligned with the structure. As wind speeds increase, the rotor tilts, reducing loads instead of increasing them.
Result: a system that remains stable and operational across a wider range of conditions.
Downwind rotor
Enabling a lighter tower and foundation construction by aligning the aerodynamic forces with the structure.
Tilting response
Higher wind speeds lead to increased tilt, reducing loads and allowing continued operation in storms.
One-piece rotor
Avoiding complex pitch systems and reducing the number of critical components to increase reliability, robustness and decrease costs.
The tilting rotor also influences the wake behind the turbine. Instead of expanding horizontally, the wake is deflected downward. This changes how turbines interact within a wind farm and reduces interference between units.
As a result, turbines can be placed closer together, increasing energy output per unit area compared to conventional designs.
Further implications for wind farm design are explored in the floating turbine application.
The technology has progressed through prototype development, testing, and project-based validation across both floating and mobile pathways.
Key steps include:
Current development focuses on both offshore scaling and mobile deployment systems.
2020
2023
2026
