The Vortex project from the Spanish company Deutecno was chosen as top entry in the Energy category at ‘The South Summit 2014’, held in Madrid. The company has developed a wind turbine without moving parts that is cheaper to operate than conventional turbines.

This peculiar Spanish wind turbine is cheaper to manufacture and maintain given that it does not have any moving parts. What’s more, the turbine can function under a broader range of wind speeds, does not make any noise and has a low center of gravity. All of these factors combine to make Vortex, from the company Deutecno, a revolution in the field of wind energy power generation.

The firm’s technology is based on the deformation produced by vibration, which is a result of the resonance response from the impact of the wind. The vessel itself is a semi-rigid, vertical cylinder that is anchored into the ground. The cylinder acts as the wind turbine and is manufactured from piezoelectric materials, fiberglass and carbon fiber. It is capable of generating electricity thanks to the deformation of the piezoelectric materials, which are crystals that can become electrically polarized as a result of mechanical pressure.

The winning startups in each of the five categories at ‘The South Summit 2014’ will obtain financing and other assistance in order to grow internationally, as well as have greater access to possible strategic agreements. 3,000 projects were submitted at this event from across Spain, the Mediterranean region and Latin America.

Vortex has received support from the Spanish foundation Fundación para el Conocimiento madri+d during its launch, and was the runner-up for the madri+d 2009 Prize given to the Best Technology Business Plan.