Alpha 311 has developed small wind turbines that sit on the O2 Arena and use both natural winds and breezes created by passing vehicles to power streetlights. These turbines weigh 88 pounds and easily fit into the current electrical systems. After successful testing, the plan is to use these turbines widely, starting with 181 of them in Telford and Wrekin. The goal is to make street lighting more environmentally friendly, moving towards using less carbon. Priced at £15,000, the turbines are expected to save money over the long term. They can also have extra features like sensors to monitor air quality and traffic. Barry Thompson, one of the founders, hopes to expand the use of these turbines to directly benefit local communities as part of the move towards using more renewable energy.
Original article written by: Jacopo Prisco
On the O2 Arena's roof, Alpha 311's compact wind turbines, standing at less than six feet, defy the conventional stature of their counterparts, presenting a unique design aimed at harnessing wind and the artificial breeze generated by passing vehicles. With the strategic advantage of being deployable almost anywhere, these turbines are specifically engineered to retrofit onto existing streetlights. After a successful trial at the O2, Alpha 311 is poised to launch a refined commercial version, reflecting the company's commitment to innovative energy solutions.
Founded by Barry Thompson and mechanical engineer John Sanderson, Alpha 311's turbines, made of lightweight carbon fiber akin to F1 cars, have garnered attention for their versatility. Installed on the O2 after attracting interest from the facilities manager, the turbines underwent real-world testing, with three units in place (though one was removed post-storm damage in 2022). These turbines, weighing 88 pounds and designed to integrate seamlessly with streetlights, utilize existing grid infrastructure, tapping into the excess energy for potential grid contribution and revenue generation for local authorities. Beyond the O2, Alpha 311 envisions widespread installations, including the upcoming deployment of up to 181 turbines in Telford and Wrekin, showcasing the potential to make significant strides toward carbon neutrality in street lighting.
The innovative aspect of mounting turbines onto lampposts brings both promise and challenge, according to Alasdair McDonald, a professor at the University of Edinburgh. Acknowledging the constraints related to the size and location of the turbines, Alpha 311 emphasizes meticulous analysis for each installation, optimizing energy conversion by considering factors like traffic flow and wind conditions. While the £15,000 price tag may seem steep, Alpha 311 underlines the potential for significant long-term savings and returns on investment, emphasizing the turbines' capacity to not only produce energy but also accommodate additional sensors for air quality and traffic monitoring. Looking ahead, Thompson envisions scaling up the deployment of these renewable technologies, emphasizing their direct benefits for local communities as a key component in the shift toward a decentralized, renewable energy-driven society. In conclusion, Alpha 311's forward-thinking approach not only addresses current challenges but also paves the way for a more sustainable and community-oriented future.