A novel method of wind energy generation-the electrostatic wind energy converter

Since ancient times humanity has been harnessing the power of the wind in various forms, such as discovering the planet in sailboats, creating living space in the Dutch polders, or providing bread by flour-grinding windmills. Since 1887 wind has also been used to generate electricity as the shift to renewable energy production is being made [1]. In order to fulfill the long-term carbon emission goals set by, for example, the EU for 2050, the share of renewable energy (wind, solar, hydro, biofuels) needs to increase substantially [2]. Of these various means of renewable energy, wind energy is still the largest part. Therefore, wind farms, both decentralized and bulk, are being constructed. In 2010 wind energy constituted 2.5% of the global electricity production [3]. The article explores a novel method of wind energy generation using an electrostatic wind energy converter or EWICON.