Micro-wind energy Highway Breeze
An innovative project using micro wind turbines to produce sustainable energy along motorways.
The need to reduce emissions and increase energy self-sufficiency is driving the infrastructure sector towards increasingly sustainable solutions. In this context, Movyon, in collaboration with the start-up WPE, developed Highway Breeze, a project introducing the use of micro wind turbines installed along the motorway network to generate clean energy.
The EOS Turbowind microturbine, an advanced technological solution combining Savonius and Darrieus technologies in a dual-rotor system with independent axes, is at the core of this project. This layout overcomes the inefficiencies of conventional turbines, guaranteeing high energy production capacity even at low wind speeds. The integrated electromagnetic clutch optimises performance by dynamically adjusting the coupling between the two rotors, adapting to different operating conditions.
During the experimentation phase, PoC (Proof of Concept) was carried out, exploiting the Open Innovation paradigm. The PoC provided primary information useful for project validation. The team conducted an in-depth analysis of the producibility of the microturbines, validating the data through wind tunnel simulations and comparing the results with those of photovoltaic systems installed in the same areas. The tests were carried out in high wind zones along the motorway network, particularly near viaducts and service areas.
The analysis showed that, compared to photovoltaics, microturbines offer a more stable energy yield in moderate wind conditions, making them an ideal solution for mountain or coast areas, where wind is more constant than solar radiation. Furthermore, microturbines are particularly profitable in terms of self-consumption, reducing the payback period even in the absence of storage systems.
In parallel, the micro-wind renewable generation system, developed through the Open Italy project, integrates with an energy management and optimisation platform developed by the R&D team. The name of the platform is Exergy and it allows for increased energy autonomy on mobility systems.
Due to the positive results, Movyon started a project to install WPE microturbines along the Autostrade per l’Italia network, with the aim of actively contributing to decarbonisation and the transition towards more sustainable mobility. This initiative not only promotes local renewable energy production, but also strengthens the role of highways as a key infrastructure for achieving climate neutrality goals by 2050.
Research & Development
We collaborate with startups, research centers and universities, in Italy and abroad, to develop solutions that improve operational processes and introduce new features, making mobility more efficient, safe and sustainable. As the technology hub of the Autostrade per l’Italia Group, we are committed to developing advanced solutions for improving mobility, with applications ranging from motorways to urban infrastructure.