Slipstream energy has been awarded significant funding to conduct cutting edge research that will improve the efficiency of wind turbines operating in urban environments.

The Leeds based company, who are looking at innovative ways of improving the efficiency of wind turbines operating in built-up areas, will be using the research grant from Yorkshire Forward to complete vital work in collaboration with the University of Leeds

Slipstream Energy will apply design and simulation techniques used by the Formula one industry to improve the aerodynamic performance of their wind turbines. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) uses complex algorithms to perform millions of calculations that simulate the flow of fluids or air across surfaces. The computer can then draw up a simulation so that the pattern of air flow can be seen on screen. This multifaceted branch of engineering is used in the design of race cars where aerodynamics are critical to fast track times.

Placing wind turbines at the point of use is a very carbon efficient method of power generation, but has the drawback that the turbines are situated in more turbulent air flows because the wind blows over and around buildings.

Teaming up with the CFD centre at Leeds University, Slipstream’s aerodynamic engineers have been analysing the performance of conventional wind turbines operating in these turbulent conditions. This preliminary work has shown that the standard propeller type turbines often seen in large wind farms suffer significant efficiency reductions when operating in built up environments .

With additional funding to take the research one step further, Slipstream Energy will now be entering the next phase of research to optimise its turbine design to address the issue of turbulent conditions and create a full-size prototype that will put the theory into practice.

Philip Wilson, Managing Director of Slipstream said, ‘With rising fuel costs and growing concern about carbon emissions, research into clean technologies has never been more critical.

There is a strong and growing market demand for clean power that is generated at the point of use.

Wind turbines are the ideal choice to meet this demand, but current products on the market just do not have the performance in variable winds seen in more built up areas. The award of this grant will allow us to further enhance our technology by working with world class experts to build efficiency improving features into our products’.

Alex McWhirter, Assistant Director of Business at Yorkshire Forward said; “Yorkshire Forward is delighted to be supporting Slipstream Energy as they seek to improve the efficiency of wind turbines, at a time when clean power is in great demand.

“We are committed to encouraging businesses in our region to innovate through a range of activities. Yorkshire Forward’s grants allow for the successful research and development of new products, which can open up a range of new markets for the region’s businesses”.