‘Challenge the future’ is the motto of Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), one of the leading technical universities in Europe. Therein lies precisely the focus of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science’s (EWI) research into alternative energy generation.
The prototype EWICON (Electrostatic Wind energy CONvertor) was designed as part of this research. The technology was developed by the EWI faculty in partnership with Wageningen University and Research Centre and commercial parties as part of an economy-ecology-technology government programme.
The revolutionary wind energy convertor transforms wind energy into electricity without the use of moving mechanical parts, resulting in significantly less wear and tear, lower maintenance costs and no noise issues or overshadowing.
This makes the turbine ideal for offshore installations or in the city, for instance on a high rooftop. The abstract appearance of the EWICON comprises a fluid, circular steel frame that encases a framework of horizontal steel pipes.
Inside the framework, charged water droplets are created which are blown by the wind. The movement of the droplets generates an electrical current that can be distributed to the electricity grid.
Since March 2013 the EWICON prototype is on display in front of the EWI faculty building in Mekel Park, a green campus designed by Mecanoo. Besides connecting the different faculties of TU Delft, Mekel Park functions as a meeting place and open laboratory for students and staff.