ENERCON, a prominent player in the renewable energy sector, has announced a collaboration with Biome Renewables to further validate FeatherEdge technology, designed to reduce noise generated by wind turbines. The two organizations signed a cooperative framework agreement (CFA). This agreement will allow for the testing of this exciting new innovative technology on ENERCON’s E-160 EP5 turbines in Germany.
The partnership continues to work toward easy integration and optimal performance for FeatherEdge. Earlier this year, independent tests showed FeatherEdge to have extremely positive results. Early prototypes were made in very close collaboration with Schierloh Engineering. This joint project aims to develop additional acoustical benefits for sites sensitive to the sound of turbines.
The Purpose of FeatherEdge Technology
To address the growing concerns over noise pollution from wind turbines, Biome Renewables created FeatherEdge technology. This creative technology could help further bring wind energy into residential and community-friendly acceptance. Wind energy will be a major part of the story of the world’s transition to a sustainable energy future. As its role has expanded, lowering noise emissions has become increasingly critical, especially for impactful projects located close to residential neighborhoods or other noise-sensitive environments.
Jörg Scholle, ENERCON’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) was enthusiastic about the potential of FeatherEdge technology. He stated, “Initial tests in close cooperation between Biome and our customer Schierloh Engineering in Germany indicate that further acoustical advantages for noise-sensitive sites could be possible with this technology.”
This partnership will provide the transformative insights needed to uncover FeatherEdge’s impact on the ground. It will allow both companies to pivot, learn from, and improve their approaches to designing and operating wind-turbines.
Collaboration Goals and Future Prospects
The MoU between ENERCON and Biome Renewables represents the continuing commitment of both organizations to develop market-leading wind turbine technology. It is intended to further improve the overall competitiveness of wind power. By reducing noise, the partnership hopes to make wind energy installations more publicly acceptable and operationally efficient.
“As partner to our customers for continuous improvements over the operating lifetime of ENERCON turbines, we are jointly exploring this opportunity with Biome with the aim to create added value for our customers’ assets.”
Biome Renewables’ CEO & CTO, Ryan Church, echoed that sentiment, saying, “We are extremely excited to work alongside the EnergyAccelerator. He mentioned, “Working collaboratively with ENERCON, we can further the transition to a clean energy economy by reducing turbine noise and increasing the social and business case viability of wind power.”
Testing on E-160 EP5 Turbines
The deployment of ENERCON’s E-160 EP5 turbines will enable in-depth, lab-to-field testing of FeatherEdge technology in real-world conditions. By employing this advanced noise reduction system, both companies hope to demonstrate tangible benefits for wind farm operators and nearby communities.
Those first tests of FeatherEdge have ignited excitement across the industry. Concrete technical specifications and deeper benefits aren’t available at this time. As we collectively move forward together, we expect to make additional realizations together. These results will give insight into how FeatherEdge can improve turbine efficiency and limit their environmental noise impact.