From Patent to Prototype

Over the past year, Helena College has offered its engineering students a unique and groundbreaking learning experience. In what is possibly a world-first initiative, a group of Year 11 and 12 students were given the chance to work with patent-protected intellectual property, focusing on an innovative wind harvesting technology that is pushing the boundaries of renewable energy.

Known as the Archimedes Initiative, this project was made possible through collaboration with a company owned by a member of the Helena College community. 

The students’ challenge began with analysing a complex patent document and understanding the scientific and engineering principles behind the invention. Their task was to develop a working model of the wing wind energy harvester.

Building on last year’s foundational work, students this year advanced from the concept stage to developing a fully functional prototype of their own. Remarkably, Helena College students were the first technical team worldwide to be granted the opportunity to build a model of this innovative technology.

Students collaborated closely, applying advanced engineering principles to bring the oscillating wing wind energy harvester to life. Unlike traditional spinning turbines, this technology utilises the oscillating motion of wings to convert wind energy into electrical power, opening new possibilities for increased efficiency in wind energy extraction.

The students’ efforts culminated in the development and testing of fully operational prototypes. The prototypes demonstrated an impressive ability to harness up to 90% of the Betz limit, the theoretical maximum for wind energy conversion efficiency. This achievement highlighted the students’ technical skills and marked a significant milestone in the project.

Wind tunnel testing further demonstrated the potential of this innovative technology, bringing it close to its theoretical maximum efficiency and showing that it could be a new player in the rapidly-growing renewable energy sector.

Looking ahead, the parent company behind the patent is now exploring commercialisation opportunities for the oscillating wing harvester. The promising outcomes achieved by Helena College students showed that this technology could be brought to market, representing an exciting development in renewable energy.

The Archimedes Initiative has set a new benchmark for hands-on STEM education. With support from industry mentors and the guidance of their Design and Engineering teacher, Mr Sam Davy, students have gained invaluable real-world experience. Their participation in this cutting-edge project is a testament to their talent, hard work, and the forward-thinking ethos of the College’s STEM-focused learning areas.