BMW trials UK’s first bladeless wind system at MINI plant in Oxford

BMW is collaborating with the US-based clean technology company Aeromine Technologies to test bladeless wind power generation across its global properties.

To that extent, the UK’s first “motionless” wind energy system has been installed on the roof of BMW Group’s Oxford MINI Plant. The system generates clean electricity without relying on any visible moving parts.

This initiative is part of a broader project by BMW Group aimed at exploring innovative and efficient energy solutions.

The pilot, led by BMW Real Estate, is supported by BMW Startup Garage, a program focused on nurturing early-stage startups developing cutting-edge technologies.

Advancing rooftop energy

Aeromine Technologies’ approach captures and amplifies rooftop airflow using a unique aerodynamic design. This creates a low-pressure zone that drives air through an intake and internal generator, unlike typical wind turbines that rely on spinning blades.

Strategically positioned on the edge of a building, facing the prevailing wind direction, the Aeromine system utilizes the building’s structure to accelerate wind flow as it passes over the edge. The system’s vertical airfoils enhance this effect by generating a vacuum behind the central column, drawing air past the propeller to produce power.

Aeromine’s design features no visible moving parts, ensuring silent operation with no noise or vibration and minimal impact on the environment and wildlife. The system is water-resistant and made from durable, recyclable materials, avoiding environmentally harmful components like silicon or rare earth minerals.

According to the firm, its industrial rotor design is simple, safe, and low-maintenance. It incorporates a permanent magnet generator that is hermetically sealed, passively cooled and lubricated for life. Additionally, Aeromine requires no inverter, as its AC output integrates seamlessly with building systems and other energy assets.

By providing remote monitoring and control, Aeromine systems enable smooth integration with other building systems and operational modifications. To ensure dependability and performance, cloud services leverage regional meteorological data and digital twins; customizable reports and alarms facilitate continuous performance control.

BMW’s green upgrade

The new wind energy unit will supplement the current solar arrays installed on the MINI Plant’s buildings in Oxford.

BMW claims that when it was first installed, the Body Shop installation had more than 11,000 panels covering an area the size of five football fields. It has remained in place for ten years and was one of the largest roof-mounted solar farms in the UK.

The electricity produced by the solar panels would be sufficient to power 850 households for a year. However, during winter and at night, when wind speeds are typically higher, the solar panels are less efficient; this allows the Aeromine wind energy unit to step in and continue generating green energy.

“This pilot is a small but exciting project for BMW Group and complements our existing approach to purchasing renewable electricity from the national grid. We’re looking forward to seeing its potential for generating clean wind energy at BMW Group sites,” said Urs Sambale, Project Manager for Sustainability Steering at BMW Group Real Estate Europe, in a statement .

According to the firm, the state-of-the-art technology will be tested at the BMW Group’s Oxford Plant to assess its potential for enhancing energy efficiency in commercial buildings both in the UK and at other BMW Group sites worldwide.

The initiative is intended to help BMW Group in its mission to reduce emissions. The company has set specific targets for CO2 reduction up to 2030, encompassing the entire lifecycle, from the supply chain through production to the end of the use phase.