In the race for clean and renewable energy, every untapped resource counts. While solar, wind, and hydroelectric power have long been at the forefront, Spain has uncovered a new, unconventional energy source hiding in plain sight. Researchers have found a way to generate electricity from the airflow produced by HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, a resource that had previously gone unnoticed.
A Surprising Source of Renewable Energy
A research team at the Distance University of Madrid has developed a method to capture and convert artificial air currents—normally seen as wasted energy—into a new power source. The solution? Compact vertical turbines that can be easily installed onto HVAC systems, transforming unused airflow into electricity.
These turbines, with a nominal power of 9 kW, require no major infrastructure changes and could be deployed in office buildings, shopping centers, factories, and data centers. Their potential to reduce energy costs and reliance on external power sources makes them an exciting new player in the world of renewable energy.
Turning Air Conditioning into Power Generation
To test the concept, a pilot project was carried out at a data center in Colombia. The center used Liebert HPC-M cooling systems, equipped with eight EC-FAN fans running at 480V and 900 rpm, creating a continuous vertical airflow essential for cooling IT infrastructure.
By integrating vertical turbines into the system, researchers discovered that they could generate approximately 468 MWh of electricity per year—a significant amount that could offset energy consumption and lower operational costs.
The Technology Behind the Innovation
The turbines used in this project, known as Tesup V7, stand out for their compact, lightweight design, allowing for seamless integration with existing HVAC systems. In total, six turbines were mounted on the cooling units, producing an estimated 513.82 MWh annually. Each turbine contributed approximately 85.64 MWh, turning previously wasted airflow into a valuable energy resource.
Is It Cost-Effective?
While the idea of installing turbines onto HVAC systems may sound complex, the numbers tell a different story. The cooling fans at the data center consumed around 336.39 MWh annually, but after the turbines were added, the system produced an excess of 467.6 MWh—enough to feed energy back into the grid or power other facilities.
From an economic perspective, the project proves highly viable:
- Initial setup cost: Around €111,540
- Annual maintenance: €1,005
- Break-even point: Year three
- Internal rate of return (IRR): 50.69% over 20 years
For businesses looking to reduce electricity costs, this approach offers a fast return on investment, making it an attractive green energy solution.
A Step Toward a More Sustainable Future
Beyond the financial benefits, this innovative system brings considerable environmental advantages. By converting HVAC airflow into electricity, the carbon footprint of large buildings and industrial facilities can be significantly reduced. The study estimates that using these turbines could cut CO2 emissions by 300 tons per year, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
Rethinking Energy in Everyday Places
Spain’s discovery highlights how reimagining everyday systems can unlock new energy solutions. What was once considered a byproduct of cooling systems is now a potential source of clean energy, helping businesses become more self-sufficient while reducing their environmental impact.
As more industries seek cost-effective ways to transition to renewable energy, innovations like HVAC-powered turbines could play a crucial role in reshaping the energy landscape. This breakthrough is a reminder that sometimes, the answers to sustainability aren’t found in the stars—but in the air around us.