Condor-inspired blades could boost wind turbine efficiency by ten per cent

Scientists have unveiled an innovative design for wind turbine blades inspired by the wings of Andean condors. These modifications could boost turbine efficiency by an average of 10 per cent.

An article in the latest "Energy" journal issue explained that wind turbine blades with curved ends, mimicking the wings of a condor, could gather wind energy more efficiently and reduce air resistance.

The Andean condor, which lives in the Andes, is the largest flying bird on Earth. Its body weight can reach up to 15 kilograms, and its wingspan often exceeds 3 metres. This magnificent bird, also known as the giant condor or Andean condor, excels in energy conservation. It soars using rising air currents to cover vast distances in search of food without the need for constant wing flapping.

Giant condors and other birds often have wings with upturned ends, which enhances their lifting power. This design, known as winglets, is already employed in aeroplane wings. However, it has not yet been adopted for wind turbine blades that generate electrical power. The primary challenge in testing these designs lies in the massive size of modern turbines.

According to research by Khashayar Rahnamaybahambary from the University of Alberta in Canada, adopting turbine blades with curved tips, modelled after the condor's wings, could offer significant advantages. Simulations indicate that such changes could lower air resistance and increase turbine efficiency by roughly 10 per cent.

The simulations' creator suggested that winglets could be conveniently added to existing turbines, attaching them to the blade ends "like socks." Experiments on actual turbines are now being done to confirm these theoretical predictions.