Wind turbine for the roof

The Hannover-based startup “Njordvind” is poised to launch a wind turbine designed for homes in urban and rural areas, as well as for the roofs of businesses. The mini wind turbine is inspired by the large three-bladed wind turbines found in fields in rural areas.

To give people with limited space the opportunity to convert wind energy into electricity, the four young startup members developed the vertical wind turbine. It is made up of up to 70 percent natural materials, making it easier to dispose of and recycle later on. Measuring just 1.50 to 2.50 meters in height and weighing 20 or 70 kilograms, the vertical wind turbine is ideally suited for home use. Based on expected wind conditions in Hannover, it has been calculated that the small version of the device should supply up to 1,500 kilowatt-hours of electricity, and the large version up to 4,500 kilowatt-hours, which should be sufficient to meet the annual electricity needs of four people.

Other advantages of the small wind turbine are said to include minimal shadow casting and low noise levels. This makes the system particularly attractive for urban areas. The turbine is said to pose no danger to birds.

To install such a wind turbine on a roof in Lower Saxony, a simplified building permit is required; in industrial and commercial zones, no permit is needed provided the wind turbine is no more than two meters high and does not extend more than 15 meters above the ground.
Production is being prepared at the company’s headquarters in the Vinnhorst district, and the housings and turbines are also to be manufactured there. The team aims to be fully ready for launch and sales next year.