Fennec: A Compact Wind Turbine with Artistic Flair

Revolutionizing Green Energy with Kinetic Sculpture

The Fennec turbine, designed by Maxim Kuzin, combines art, machinery, and architecture to create a unique and efficient wind turbine. Inspired by the weightless hyperboloid shells of Russian engineer Vladimir Shukhov, this compact turbine is not only a source of clean energy but also a mesmerizing kinetic sculpture.

The Fennec turbine stands out from other wind turbines due to its compact size, low noise, high safety, and long lifespan. At the heart of its technology is a hyperboloidal rotor, which operates at a low speed of 60 rpm and a maximum linear velocity of blades lesser than 26 km/h. This design ensures minimal noise, vibrations, and kinetic threats, making it suitable for urban areas and rooftops.

The Fennec turbine is available in two sizes: the S-size turbine serves as an autonomous energy generator to power other devices, while the XS-size turbine functions as an ambient light source and a captivating kinetic art object. With the help of a smartphone app, users can customize the color of the XS-size turbine or synchronize it with music or other data streams, creating an interactive and immersive experience.

The realization of the Fennec turbine involves waterjet cutting of aluminum sheets and pipes, gluing, and steel CNC milling. Its technical specifications vary depending on the size, with the Rotor S measuring 2250 mm x 2250 mm x 6000 mm and the Rotor XS measuring 500 mm x 500 mm x 2000 mm.

The Fennec project began in 2016 in Moscow and has since been exhibited in various locations, including Moscow and Baku. In 2018, it received the STARTS Prize Honorary Mention, and in 2020, it was supported by the educational and mentoring program STARTS in Motion. Currently, the first series of products based on this technology is being developed.

The design of the Fennec turbine was driven by extensive research and calculations to ensure its safety and efficiency in populated environments. The unique shape of the rotor, optimized through theoretical calculations and physical prototypes, allows for effective operation at low speeds, overcoming the challenges typically associated with vertical wind turbines.

Maxim Kuzin, the designer of the Fennec turbine, has created a masterpiece that not only generates clean energy but also serves as a testament to the beauty of mathematical equations and the legacy of Vladimir Shukhov. With its innovative design and artistic flair, the Fennec turbine is set to revolutionize the way we harness wind energy.

The Fennec turbine is protected by copyright, belonging to Maxim Kuzin since 2016. In recognition of its outstanding design and contribution to quality of life improvements, the Fennec turbine was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Energy Products, Projects, and Devices category in 2022.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Maxim Kuzin
Image Credits: Maxim Kuzin
Project Team Members: Maxim Kuzin Alexey Savchuk Dmitriy Kulakov
Project Name: Fennec
Project Client: Maxim Kuzin


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