Wind power stands as one of the strongest options for decarbonising energy. Yet it brings challenges, especially due to large moving parts and generators that have historically harmed protected birds. A Spanish invention could change that: a windmill without blades.
According to Jorge Piñero from the marketing team of Vortex, the company behind the new design, the turbines produce electricity without traditional blades. This blade-free approach draws attention from research centers and both public and private organizations. It could support micro-generation of energy and complement solar installations on any building for self-consumption.
They are already being installed in some buildings and facilities, including the SEO/BirdLife headquarters in Madrid and other sites in Ávila, demonstrating their potential.
Vortex wind turbines capture wind energy with a radically different method from conventional windmills. Rather than blades driven by wind, the mast itself oscillates slightly to generate power.
Piñero explains that wind creates waves in the air, which we see when flags ripple or air patterns shift. When air or water passes through a circular structure, eddies form along the path. If the timing of these eddies matches the structure’s resonant frequency, energy is absorbed.
Through a sequence of complex physical processes, Vortex has achieved a high conversion efficiency of kinetic energy in the air. The eddy limit sits at about 40 percent; beyond that, the device stops harvesting energy.
By contrast, conventional mills can reach about 49 percent. The team notes that high efficiency in traditional wind power has benefited from decades of refinement, while their current effort has been under development for roughly ten years.
Using established market technologies and principles of fluid dynamics, the mast geometry and materials are chosen to let wind pass through and create eddies. “The structure absorbs energy through elastic resonance, begins to oscillate perpendicular to the wind, and converts that motion into electricity,” Piñero adds.
For small installations
These turbines are much smaller than typical windmills. Their lack of blades enables placement in tighter spaces.
The company notes the motion produced is harmless—the larger the device, the slower the oscillation. They are hollow and generate noise close to the natural wind threshold.
This makes them suitable for urban and protected areas. They interfere less with radio signals than other renewables, making deployment at airports or military sites feasible, according to the company.
Wind energy installations can be seen at various sites, including the SEO/BirdLife center in Madrid, with visual documentation attributed to European Press.
One strength is that these devices do not rely on gears to operate and avoid the wear and tear of conventional mills. A carbon fiber rod allows long-term use, and with no moving gears or gearboxes, there is no need for oil changes.
100-watt smaller models
The smallest unit, about three meters tall, can produce up to 100 watts depending on weather and surroundings.
The company is exploring additional options for road signs or energy-heavy devices in even smaller sizes, around 60 centimeters, designed for quick deployment and low consumption.
The mid-size models are mainly intended for rooftops of homes and buildings. They can be placed with shorter spacing than conventional turbines to avoid interference with nearby mills.
Larger models are envisioned for rural or industrial settings.
Another visual reference shows various installed models documented by European Press.
Piñero notes that commercial viability will take several years. The projects have been ongoing for more than nine years, with a typical timeline of 15 to 20 years before broad market rollout.
Work is underway on a beta-testing campaign to collect feedback from diverse environments and conditions. Participants will be able to experience the Vortex Nano, a small functional demonstrator not intended for sale but useful for testing.
Vortex site: vortexbladeless.com/es/
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Environment department contact address: [redacted for privacy]