The Design of Modvion's Wooden Towers

Modvion's towers are not merely solid wooden structures; that would be inefficient and structurally unsound. Instead, they are designed to be hollow and reinforced, similar to steel turbines. This construction method draws inspiration from bamboo, lending the towers both durability and lightweight properties. Modvion utilizes laminated wood, a material that has long been favored by boat builders for its strength, lightness, resilience, and abundance. Additionally, laminated wood's carbon footprint is significantly lower than that of steel, making it a more economical choice.

You might instinctively believe that a wooden turbine tower would be weaker than its steel counterpart and could falter in high winds. However, that's a misconception.

Laminated Wood: Strength in Design

Laminated wood consists of thin layers bonded together, with the grains oriented in different directions. This technique mirrors the construction of carbon fiber, where layers are woven and bonded with resin. As a result, laminated wood exhibits remarkable strength and lightness. Its strength-to-weight ratio surpasses that of steel, which is critical when erecting tall structures. A lighter material allows for taller and more cost-efficient towers, as it requires less bracing and resources.

Thanks to this innovation, Modvion's towers can be constructed at impressive heights—up to 1,500 meters, which is about ten times the height of current models. While such extreme heights may not be commercially viable, towers that are 50% to 100% taller than existing ones are easily achievable. Taller turbine towers can capture stronger winds, enhancing energy output and reducing costs overall.

Beyond Economics: A Carbon-Negative Solution

Modvion's towers offer more than just cost savings; they are also carbon-negative. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, converting it into sugars that are then transformed into the stable compound lignin, which constitutes wood. The carbon emissions generated during the production of Modvion's wooden towers are less than the carbon sequestered within them, rendering them carbon-neutral. In contrast, the production of steel is highly carbon-intensive due to the mining, refining, and high-temperature manufacturing processes involved.

By opting for Modvion's wooden towers, wind turbines can significantly reduce their environmental impact. In fact, a wooden tower can cut emissions by 90% compared to a conventional steel tower of the same height and load. Modvion sources its wood responsibly, ensuring that logging does not exceed natural growth rates and preserving its eco-friendly reputation.

With this innovative approach, Modvion is not only making wind energy more affordable and efficient but also more sustainable, and the industry is starting to recognize this potential.

Partnerships and Future Prospects

Modvion has partnered with Sweden’s RWE to deliver the first wooden towers for RWE’s forthcoming onshore wind farms. Lars Borisson, Head of Onshore Origination & Development Nordics at RWE Renewables, remarked that modular towers constructed from laminated wood possess considerable market potential and can help lower the costs associated with new renewable energy production by replacing traditional materials with eco-friendly alternatives. RWE plans to evaluate Modvion’s wooden towers for integration into future wind farms.

If this collaboration proves successful, demand for Modvion’s technology will likely surge within the wind turbine sector. Their straightforward yet effective solution addresses critical challenges faced by wind energy while boasting impressive sustainability credentials. Thus, it seems feasible that Modvion could elevate wind power to become the ultimate renewable energy source, and it will be exciting to see how they advance in the future.

Enjoyed this article? Check out my latest book, “50 Ways To Save The World,” available on Amazon.

Modvion’s Wooden Wind Turbine Innovation

Explore how Swedish startup Modvion is revolutionizing wind energy with their innovative wooden turbine towers.

Sustainable Alternatives in Wind Energy

Delve into whether wooden wind turbines can serve as a genuinely sustainable alternative in the renewable energy landscape.