A HAIRY SKYSCRAPER TO CATCH THE WIND

STRAWSCRAPER – an urban power plant

May 2013 (Belatchew Arkitekter)

“Strawscraper…[would have] a new energy producing shell covered in straws that can recover wind energy…Belatchew Arkitekter wants to…explore new techniques [in central Stockholm] that could create the urban wind farm of the future.

“By using piezoelectric technology a large number of thin straws can produce electricity merely through small movements generated by the wind. The result is a new kind of wind power plant that opens up possibilities of how buildings can produce energy.”

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“With the help of this technique surfaces on both old and new buildings can be transformed into energy producing entities…[and create] an undulating landscape…reinforced at nighttime with lighting in changing colors…The straws of the facade consist of a composite material with piezoelectric properties that can turn motion into electrical energy…

“Piezoelectricity is created when certain crystals’ deformation is transformed into electricity. The technique has advantages when compared to traditional wind turbines since it is quiet and does not disturb wildlife. It functions at low wind velocity since only a light breeze is sufficient for the straws to start swaying and generate energy…”

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