Dragonfly Turbine: Renzo Piano's vision for clean energy in cities

Eco News describes in a latest article that Renzo Piano's Dragonfly Wind Turbine, a sleek and innovative renewable energy solution developed in collaboration with ENEL Green Power, is setting a new standard for urban wind power. 

Installed in Pisa, Italy, this two-blade turbine combines cutting-edge design with nature’s efficiency, offering a glimpse into the future of aesthetically pleasing, environmentally safe energy solutions.

The Dragonfly Wind Turbine stands as a testament to the possibility of achieving both form and function in renewable energy technology. With its advanced design, it significantly reduces both size and noise compared to traditional three-blade turbines. Thanks to the use of polycarbonate and lightweight carbon materials, the turbine is capable of harnessing even the faintest breeze, starting at a wind speed as low as 2 meters per second.

At 20 meters tall with a 35 cm mast diameter, the turbine features a minimalistic design that blends seamlessly into its environment. Its two blades, which are integrated with the mast, make it nearly invisible when stationary. With a blade diameter of 16 meters, the Dragonfly turbine is large enough to be effective but discreet enough to avoid dominating the landscape, making it particularly suitable for urban areas.

One of the key advantages of this design is its ability to eliminate noise pollution and minimize negative impacts on wildlife—common concerns with traditional wind turbines. The Dragonfly is inspired by the flight dynamics of dragonflies, using the same stabilizing principles that allow them to effortlessly navigate even the gentlest of winds. This ensures the turbine is highly effective in urban environments while remaining gentle on the surrounding ecosystem.

The Dragonfly turbine also addresses key challenges faced by traditional wind turbines. Unlike conventional models, which adjust blade angles or operate in stall mode during high winds (a costly approach for small-scale use), the Dragonfly design captures wind from all directions, maximizing energy output from even the smallest gusts. After two months of testing, the prototype successfully generated 1241.02 kWh of electricity, which was fed directly into the grid, demonstrating its strong potential for wider adoption.

The compact size and low operational requirements of the Dragonfly make it an accessible alternative to larger turbines typically used in homes and small businesses. Once testing is completed, mass production will target the Italian market, offering a practical solution to urban renewable energy challenges. Its portability and efficiency make it an ideal choice for densely populated areas, addressing the intermittency issues that often affect wind energy generation.

This turbine is more than just a technological breakthrough—it represents a new direction for sustainable urban energy solutions. Unlike traditional turbines, which often face resistance from local communities due to their visual and environmental impact, the Dragonfly blends into its surroundings, making it more acceptable in modern architectural and urban settings.

The project, led by Renzo Piano and ENEL Green Power, highlights the importance of merging cutting-edge technology with thoughtful design and environmental responsibility. Drawing inspiration from the flight dynamics of dragonflies, the Dragonfly turbine is both efficient and stable under minimal wind conditions, setting a new standard for mini-urban wind turbines.

The Dragonfly Wind Turbine, powered solely by wind and virtually invisible when not in motion, is a game-changer in miniaturized wind technology. It offers a unique solution that avoids the need for heavy machinery while reducing noise pollution, proving itself to be one of the most efficient and quietest turbines in its class. This innovation is setting the stage for a future where renewable energy can seamlessly integrate into our urban landscapes without sacrificing aesthetics or environmental harmony.

By Naila Huseynova