Researchers have discovered that two tiny, counter-rotating wind turbines working in tandem can generate 37% more power than a single turbine alone.
This finding could unlock more efficient ways to provide decentralized power, from remote environmental sensors to personal electronic devices.
While most people associate wind power with towering turbines, a team of researchers led by Shuo Zhang has been focusing on the potential of micro wind turbines, those with a diameter of less than 200 millimeters.
These diminutive powerhouses are critical for a world increasingly reliant on remote technology, from environmental sensors monitoring climate change in the Arctic to Internet of Things (IoT) devices powering smart agriculture.
However, their small size has traditionally meant lower aerodynamic efficiency and a higher cost per kilowatt, limiting their widespread adoption.
