Bladeless Wind Turbines Achieve High Efficiency with New Design

Researchers at the University of Glasgow have developed a new design for bladeless wind turbines (BWTs), achieving 460 watts of power with improved efficiency. Unveiled in June 2025, the technology uses vortex-induced vibration to generate silent, wildlife-friendly energy, offering potential for India’s 100 GW wind power target by 2030.

Traditional wind turbines rely on rotating blades to convert wind energy into electricity, but bladeless wind turbines (BWTs) use vortex-induced vibration (VIV), where wind causes a mast to oscillate, driving a generator. The University of Glasgow’s study, published in Renewable Energy in 2025, used computer simulations to optimize BWT design, identifying an 80 cm mast with a 65 cm diameter as ideal. This configuration delivers 460 watts, surpassing real-world prototypes limited to 100 watts. The design balances power output with structural stability in winds of 20-70 mph.

BWTs offer advantages over conventional turbines, including silent operation, reduced maintenance, and a smaller footprint, making them suitable for urban areas. They pose less risk to birds and bats, addressing environmental concerns. The technology could complement India’s wind energy sector, which reached 51.5 GW in 2025, targeting 100 GW by 2030. Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, leading wind states, could deploy BWTs in urban and coastal regions, where space and noise constraints limit traditional turbines.

The study highlights trade-offs, as the most efficient design does not yield the highest power but ensures durability. Current prototypes face challenges like low power output and scalability. Industry adoption requires new manufacturing processes, increasing costs by 20% compared to blade-based turbines. India’s $7,453 crore Viability Gap Funding for wind projects could support BWT pilots, but land acquisition and grid integration remain hurdles. The UK’s BMW-Aeromine partnership, testing “motionless” turbines at the Oxford MINI Plant, suggests commercial potential.

India’s urban energy demand, rising 9% annually, could benefit from BWTs in cities like Mumbai and Delhi, where noise regulations restrict traditional turbines. The technology aligns with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting local innovation. However, achieving grid-scale deployment requires $1 billion in R&D by 2030, per industry estimates. Pilot projects in Karnataka, with 7,351 MW wind capacity, could test BWT integration with AI-based grid forecasting to enhance stability.

Conclusion

The University of Glasgow’s bladeless wind turbine design marks a step toward efficient, silent renewable energy. For India, it offers urban and environmental benefits, but scaling requires investment and infrastructure upgrades to meet 2030 wind goals.

Source: Sustainability Times,