Case in point is the recent comments about the beauty or lack there-of of wind turbines. I must admit to being more than a little astonished that they can be considered ugly compared to a coal mine or a coal-fired power station – but for most of us they are not located in our backyard. Then there are the issues as to whether they make people sick or not – clearly a contentious point and one that I am not qualified to comment on.

Certainly if you look at a map to see where the world’s wind energy is concentrated – it certainly is not in Australia. Much of Europe, the US and China have large areas covered by wind turbines these days. Yet there does not appear to be the health related complaints in those countries. But bearing in mind that some people simply do not like them - what if we can do wind turbines differently – say without blades?

A new bladeless wind turbine, which promises to be more efficient, less visually intrusive and safer for bird life than conventional turbines has been developed in Spain. The new turbines would be more suitable around bird life and have the potential to open up more urban environments to the sector. The streamlined design contains no contacting moving parts, making it virtually noiseless and less prone to vibration. It may open up wind power to a viable consumer market – where people may use a wind turbine as part of their energy mix – in much the same way as solar panels are now on house roofs. 

So how does it work? Using the scientific principles of natural frequency and vorticity, the turbine oscillates in swirling air caused by the wind bypassing the mast and builds exponentially as it reaches the structure’s natural resonance. 

The Spanish developers say that they are to collect about 40 per cent of energy with the bladeless turbines in their wind tunnel – which compares pretty well with traditional turbines at 50 per cent. The turbine ‘floats’ on magnets, which as well as significantly amplifying the oscillation, also eliminates any friction and the need for expensive lubricating oils or mechanical parts.

Commercialisation is still about four years away but there are already plans for developing off-the-grid applications in some areas.

Who knows whether this will be the answer to the controversies around wind farms, but it surely worth a look.