By Prof. Ir. Dr. Chong Wen Tong
When we discuss renewable energy in Southeast Asia, solar and hydro power usually dominate the conversation, given the region’s ample sunlight and water resources. However, one renewable source remains largely untapped—wind energy. Traditional wind turbines have struggled to gain traction in countries like Malaysia due to low average wind speeds, making them economically challenging. As someone invested in energy innovation, I believe it’s time to rethink how we harness wind energy, and that’s where my research on the Cross-Axis Wind Turbine (CAWT) comes in.
Innovating with the CAWT
Wind power currently makes up a small portion of Southeast Asia’s energy mix. For instance, in Malaysia, the average wind speed is less than 5 meters per second (m/s), while conventional wind turbines typically require speeds of around 7 m/s to be effective. This limitation has hindered the widespread adoption of wind energy, leaving solar and hydro power to support our renewable energy goals. However, this doesn’t mean wind energy is out of reach. It means we need a new approach tailored to the specific challenges and strengths of our environment.
The Cross-Axis Wind Turbine (CAWT) is an innovative blend of two existing wind turbine designs: the Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT) and the Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). While HAWTs are known for their efficiency, they are less effective in low and turbulent wind conditions. VAWTs, despite their ability to capture energy from multiple wind directions, have traditionally struggled with efficiency. By merging the strengths of both designs, the CAWT can efficiently capture wind energy even in low and turbulent conditions, which are common in Malaysia.
Our CAWT design combines the vertical blades of a VAWT with horizontal blades acting as struts, allowing it to capture wind from all directions. This results in a more consistent energy output, even when wind conditions fluctuate. The CAWT has demonstrated a performance level that is more than 80% of the maximum theoretical efficiency for wind turbines, known as the Betz Limit. Beyond its improved efficiency, the design also features a lower centre of gravity, which makes it stable and easier to maintain—especially in offshore environments.
A vision for the future
As we look toward a future defined by the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, innovations like the CAWT are essential. I envision a world where wind energy isn’t just a footnote in our renewable energy mix but a significant contributor to a sustainable future. The CAWT aligns perfectly with global sustainability goals, offering a clean, reliable, and scalable solution for wind energy harvesting. With continued development, testing, and collaboration—particularly with industry leaders like PETRONAS—this technology has the potential to change wind energy not just in Malaysia but globally.
The work has just begun. Our prototype is undergoing further development and testing, and we hope to see it commissioned within the next five years, with commercial availability projected within the next decade. By then, I hope to see CAWTs not just off the coast of Malaysia but in communities and cities around the world, quietly and efficiently generating clean energy.
Every region has its unique set of resources and challenges. While wind energy may not traditionally be a focal point for Southeast Asia, this innovation shows that we have the ability to adapt and innovate based on our strengths. By exploring alternative designs and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, we can ensure that wind energy becomes an integral part of our renewable energy future.
It’s time to change the way we think about wind power. Let’s harness the breeze, no matter how gentle, and turn it into a force for sustainable change.
The author is from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, and Centre for Energy Sciences, Universiti Malaya.
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