Offshore wind farms are a key pillar of the global shift toward renewable energy, but they face a major challenge—interference. When wind turbines are positioned close together, they create aerodynamic wake losses, which can reduce a farm’s total energy output by up to 30%. To counter this, turbines are spaced far apart, often over a kilometer, requiring vast offshore areas for development.
A groundbreaking research project at the University of Malta, called ParaWIND, is exploring a novel solution: using large inflatable kites to redirect high-altitude winds toward wind turbines, enhancing their efficiency and energy yield. The project is funded by XjenzaMalta through the FUSION Research Excellence Programme.
“Winds at higher altitudes are stronger and more stable,” explains Prof. Tonio Sant, one of the project’s researchers. “Airships were once widely used for transportation but fell out of favour after the Hindenburg disaster in 1937. With today’s technology, we can repurpose similar inflatable structures into parafoils that help optimise wind farm performance.”
Researchers and Luke Jurgen Briffa are developing advanced computer models to simulate how these high-altitude kites can channel wind energy down to turbines. Using cutting-edge computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the team is analysing how airflow can be redirected to improve turbine efficiency without the need for additional infrastructure.
Dr Jean Paul Mollicone, adds: “With modern CFD simulations, we can precisely model how inflatable parafoils can optimise wind conditions within a wind farm. This technology could be a game-changer for offshore wind energy.”
If successful, ParaWIND could revolutionise wind farm design, allowing for greater energy production within the same offshore footprint. This could lead to lower electricity costs and improved sustainability for the offshore wind industry.
With offshore wind farms expanding rapidly, solutions like ParaWIND could play a crucial role in maximising renewable energy output. The research team at the University of Malta is now working on refining their models and exploring the next of this innovative concept.
Project ParaWIND is being financed by the XjenzaMalta through the FUSION Research Excellence Programme (Project reference: REP-2024-003)
