01/10/2025

The Search for the Perfect Swirl

What does it take to find the ultimate shape for a bladeless wind turbine?

Last week, our engineers Nikolai Skorpe Aasprong and Görel Wirenborn joined forces with Knut Erik Teigen Giljarhus and Jon Erik Karlsen at the University of Stavanger (UiS) for a full-scale testing session in the university’s wind tunnel. The goal: to explore how different outer shell geometries influence the formation and stability of the vortex, the very heart of our technology.

From 3D Printing to Wind Testing, and Back Again

Armed with three outer shell variations, the team ran a continuous cycle of testing and refinement. As two models were exposed to controlled wind conditions, the third was already being 3D printed in UiS’s fabrication lab.

This setup turned what would normally be a slow, sequential process into a real-time dialogue between design and data, a conversation between engineers and the wind itself.

Each iteration delivered valuable insights. Subtle shifts in contour, curvature, or surface flow produced measurable differences in performance, helping us understand how to capture and control the most efficient swirl possible.

When Collaboration Becomes Acceleration

Innovation rarely happens in isolation. The partnership with UiS allowed us to accelerate learning by combining our in-house expertise with the university’s testing environment and advanced equipment.

“Having direct access to the wind tunnel and being able to print and test multiple models in one day makes a huge difference,” said Görel. “You see results immediately, and that short feedback loop helps guide our next design decision with precision.”

Data Doesn’t Lie

Ultimately, the purpose of this test was simple: to let the wind itself reveal which geometry creates the most powerful and stable vortex. The collected data is now being analysed, and the insights are already informing the next steps of prototypes.

One Test at a Time

Our work with UiS is another step forward in transforming an idea into a fully functional, scalable energy solution. Every test, every data point, and every printed prototype brings us closer to reshaping how wind energy can be harvested.

A massive thank you to the University of Stavanger team for their enthusiasm, expertise, and partnership. Together, we’re not just testing models, but shaping the future of sustainable energy.