FeGeoWind

Wind power above. Ground-based heat exchange below.

FeGeoWind brings renewable electricity generation and building heating and cooling together in one integrated design. It pairs a vertical-axis wind turbine above ground with FeBTUCell, a ground-based heat exchanger beneath it.

The turbine captures wind energy to generate electricity that can help power a building’s heat pump. Below ground, FeBTUCell supports the transfer of heat: during summer cooling, it receives heat removed from the building; during winter heating, it draws heat from the surrounding ground for the heat pump.

Water plays an important role in the design. During cooling, evaporation from the gravel bed helps release heat into the air. During heating, make-up water helps maintain operating temperatures and protect against freezing.

The installation pictured is FeGeoWind Test Site #1 in Goderich, Ontario. It demonstrates the project’s central concept: combining wind generation and ground-based heat exchange within a shared footprint.

Electricity output and heating and cooling performance depend on wind conditions, heat-pump selection, system configuration and operation.