Small-scale wind power for everyone: New turbines operate from just 2.7 m/s

The Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP and the Berlin-based BBF Group have introduced the first lightweight prototypes of a newly developed small wind turbine. Their joint research project aims to develop highly efficient turbines for regions with low wind speeds, marking a key milestone in the advancement of decentralized energy solutions.

The new small wind turbines begin operating at wind speeds as low as 2.7 meters per second – significantly earlier than typical commercial models, which usually require around 4 m/s. At 10 m/s, the rotors reach up to 450 revolutions per minute, generating approximately 2,500 watts of power. With a noise level of just 40 decibels, they are reportedly no louder than a household refrigerator. Their efficiency of 53% comes remarkably close to the theoretical maximum of 59%.

A key factor behind the high efficiency is the lightweight design of the rotor blades, made from fiber composites with a hollow structure and no foam core. This design enables the researchers to reduce blade weight by up to 35%. The components are manufactured using industrial 3D printing and an automated fiber placement (AFP) system, which ensures precise layering of the fiber strips while minimizing material overlap.

Possible applications

Their compact design and low weight make the new small wind turbines suitable for a wide range of applications. Thanks to a startup speed of just 2.7 m/s, they are ideal for regions with limited wind, where conventional systems are often not economically viable. They also present a promising option as a supplementary energy source for private households.

The lightweight turbines are particularly well suited for remote areas without reliable grid access, such as mountain cabins, research stations or island communities. Their compact design also makes them a practical and sustainable energy source for disaster relief and mobile operations, providing power to field laboratories and emergency shelters.

According to Fraunhofer, one of the main advantages of the new small wind turbines is that they generally don’t require planning permission. In most cases, it’s sufficient to notify the local building authority before installation. In the long term, the prototypes are expected to contribute to the development of decentralized energy islands that combine solar power, battery storage and small wind systems – creating a self-sufficient energy supply that is more resilient to weather fluctuations and supports the local energy transition.

Five prototypes currently being tested

A total of five prototypes have been delivered to the BBF Group and will be installed at various locations to test their performance under different conditions and altitudes. It remains unclear when the small wind turbines will enter mass production and become available for private and commercial use.