Scientists have demonstrated the advantage of accurately linking the profile of wind turbine blades to geography, that is, to specific operating conditions. The wind situation is different everywhere and varies greatly according to urban development conditions. But previously it was difficult and expensive to take into account all factors to optimize the operation of a wind turbine. Today, artificial intelligence copes with this “immediately”. This is what helped bring the project to fruition.

Scientists from the University of Birmingham (University of Birmingham) were engaged in the creation of the most optimized blades for urban wind turbines. The development was called “Birmingham Blade”. In just a few weeks, AI tested more than 2,000 turbine blade profiles, saving scientists years of work and millions of dollars.

The idea of ​​​​using artificial intelligence for the project was also based on the desire to avoid the stereotypes formed in the industry and the human perception of the problem. When designing wind turbine blades, people have always looked for a compromise between various parameters. In this context, artificial intelligence was given complete freedom and could look at the problem from all sides.

It is worth noting that artificial intelligence is also special. It was created by scientists at the University of Birmingham. This is the EvoPhase platform that mimics natural selection. This approach allows you to optimize many different parameters simultaneously, avoiding traditional compromises between specific performance factors. The blades themselves are manufactured by local company KwikFab, which specializes in precision metal structures. It also took very little time to build and deliver.

“We needed a turbine that could capture the relatively low wind speeds in Birmingham while managing the turbulence caused by surrounding buildings. — explained Leonard Nicusan, technical director of EvoPhase. – The design also had to be compact and lightweight to be suitable for rooftop installation.“.

Tests showed that the AI-engineered wing design was seven times more effective in a given position than traditional wings. Now Edinburgh is inheriting Birmingham’s experience. The AI ​​is developing other wings for the operating conditions in the new location and can create it for any terrain and any “geography”, ideally making wind energy more accessible and cheaper.