DOI: https://doi.org/10.61435/ijred.2026.62526
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Experimental Investigation of a Wildlife-Safe Origami-Inspired Reaction-Type Wind Turbine for Sustainable Urban Energy Systems

1Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Australian University, Safat 13015, West Mishref, Kuwait, Kuwait

2Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, College of Engineering, Australian University, Safat 13015, West Mishref, Kuwait, Kuwait

3School of Aviation, Australian University, Safat 13015, West Mishref, Kuwait, Kuwait

4 Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Australian University, Safat 13015, West Mishref, Kuwait, Kuwait

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Received: 19 Mar 2026; Published: 28 Apr 2026.
Editor(s): H Hadiyanto
Open Access Copyright (c) 2025 The Author(s). Published by Centre of Biomass and Renewable Energy (CBIORE)
Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Abstract

Small horizontal axis wind turbines offer environmentally sustainable solutions for distributed renewable energy generation in urban environments. However, their deployment is often limited by concerns related to noise, visual impact, and risks to flying wildlife. This study presents an experimental investigation of a novel origami-inspired wind turbine designed to improve environmental compatibility through a compact, aesthetic, and bladeless configuration that enhances safety for urban applications. Unlike conventional lift- or drag-based turbines, the proposed origami wind turbine operates using a reaction force generated by redirecting axial inlet airflow into tangential outlet flow through internal nozzle conduits. Two miniature prototypes were fabricated using 3D printing with rotor diameters of 10 cm and 8 cm, both designed with a nozzle aspect ratio of unity. The models incorporate four inlet openings with diameters of 3.5 cm and 2.8 cm, respectively. The environmental suitability and energy harvesting performance of the turbines were experimentally and theoretically evaluated under four operating conditions: free rotation, rotation with a generator without load, fixed load operation, and variable load operation. Performance was assessed in terms of cut-in wind speed, rotational speed, power output, and efficiency through wind tunnel testing. Results indicate that the bladeless origami design provides a promising environmentally conscious micro-wind solution for sustainable urban energy applications while maintaining competitive performance. The study demonstrates the potential of wildlife-safe and compact turbine designs to support environmentally responsible renewable energy integration in sustainable cities.

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Keywords: Environmental engineering; Small wind turbine; Sustainable cities; Wildlife safety; Renewable energy; Urban sustainability

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Article Info
Section: Original Research Article
Language : EN
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