TYER Wind’s Wind Converter
The TYER Wind vertical axis wind converter harnesses wind power using flapping wings that perfectly mimic the motion of one of the most energy-efficient birds: the hummingbird. Invented by Anis Aouini, the technology is a radical solution inspired by nature and turns out to be efficient, eco-friendly and perfectly scalable. No rotating blades; just flapping wings that convert wind power into green electricity thanks to their revolutionary 3D Aouinian kinematics.
By Anis Aouini, Inventor, Co-founder & Chairman of TYER Wind, Tunisia
Inspired from one of the most energy-efficient birds – the hummingbird – TYER Wind could take wind power in a whole new direction.
Naturally Inspired
Scientists have tried to master nature by using mechanical engineering principles to analyse complex biological systems. The morphology of bird wings has been studied over centuries in an attempt to mimic the flapping motion but with no notable success. Designing the mechanical kinematics that perfectly mimic the flapping wings has always been a human dream (da Vinci’s designs are a good illustration of this). But, we've just made it a reality.
Millions of years of natural selection have turned hummingbirds into some of the world's most energetically efficient flyers. They have a unique morphology and kinematics that allow them to flap their wings between 50 and 200 times a second when in flight. Hummingbirds are the only group of birds with the ability to hover and to fly backwards. The motion of the hummingbird wings has intrigued the many researchers who have been trying to mimic it.
TYER Wind’s Solution
This is the first time ever that the motion of the hummingbird’s wing (or that of any other bird) has been mimicked mechanically. This has been made possible thanks to a new revolutionary kinematics (3D Aouinian 
kinematics) that enables a smooth and efficient conversion of linear motion to rotation (reciprocating) motion. TYER flapping wings follow a figure-of-eight pattern (an infinity shape in 3D), reproducing, therefore, the same trajectory of hummingbirds’ wings.
As a biomachine – inspired by nature to better satisfy nature – TYER Wind’s solution turns out to be a highly efficient wind convertor. Several studies have proved that the hummingbird enjoys a higher efficiency than helicopters or drones (bladed rotors). It is also an eco-friendly machine with a powerful potential for integration into the landscape and has no impact on radar detection systems (civil and military), radio and TV airwaves.
The TYER Wind converter is able to convert the resultant force of the lift and the drag forces into work and has, therefore, a limited level of drag at the structure. This has two major advantages: (1) lower solicitation at the mast resulting in lower civil works costs,
(2) an ability to resist high wind velocity and therefore to generate higher energy output.
In addition, because the wings are based on an oscillating concept, the TYER Wind converter generates limited vortex (as compared to that created by turbines) allowing a higher density of installed machines (in a wind farm). Also, it should be possible to install two or three layers of wings vertically, leading to higher energy output per square kilometre.
With their unique biodesign, TYER Wind vertical axis converters could be widely adopted across various areas including onshore and offshore installation, and on-grid and off-grid locations. They could either be installed for individual use (to power a house) or grouped in a large wind farm.
A TYER Working Machine
TYER Wind technology has been simulated and modelled using powerful software. In a record time, a sophisticated yet elegant pre-industrial version of the machine has been designed and built to illustrate the revolutionary aspects of the technology. The data-sheet specification of the machine (Model TW Hemlice) is shown in Figure 4.
The machine is currently under various open-air/real conditions tests which are related to power efficiency, aerodynamic behaviour, material resistance, stress over the mast, etc. Initial results are very encouraging and the indicative power curve and related data will be released once the results are formally confirmed.
About the Company
TYER Wind is an innovative start-up operating in the field of R&D in wind energy and based in Tunisia. We are developing a revolutionary new wind convertor based on a deep and different observation of nature.
Biography
Anis Aouini is a prominent award-winning Tunisian inventor. He has designed and developed a number of innovative ‘clean technologies’, including two international patents (and two under registration). He has also invented a revolutionary new 3D mechanical kinematics allowing the conversion of linear motion into reciprocating motion (and vice versa), which has potential for major applications. He holds an engineering degree in Applied Sciences to New Technologies from INSAT Tunisia (class valedictorian).
