Applying artificial intelligence to develop wind power
Researchers at the University of Birmingham have unveiled a unique wind turbine designed entirely using artificial intelligence (AI). Compared to conventional wind turbines, the new device is up to 7 times more efficient.
The wind turbine designed by artificial intelligence (AI), called the Birmingham Blade, is 7 times more efficient than conventional, considering the wind speed and urban environment it is intended for.
The turbine is a joint venture between EvoPhase University and the University of Birmingham, which specializes in AI-generated designs. During the process of creating a prototype, the AI software took just over a week to complete the design from thousands of data.
Dr. Kit Windows – Yule, University of Birmingham, UK, shared: “The Birmingham Blade is the world’s first wind turbine designed by artificial intelligence (AI) and optimized geographically. It is designed to achieve optimal performance for the specific city in which it will operate.”
The final wind turbine design features S-shaped curved blades that rotate around a central point, creating a vortex in the middle and allowing the turbine to operate in 3.6 m/s winds, significantly lower than the 10 m/s of most windmill-configured turbines.
The team is also developing another design for different weather conditions in Edinburgh. They also want to apply AI-driven design to systems and machines beyond wind power, including optimizing equipment for blending and storing granular materials in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
The UK is one of the world’s leading countries in investing in energy development
