The wind
Wind is the kinetic energy of moving air, and it pushes against the blades.
University of Patras
Designing the future of energy
Airrion is a student initiative of the University of Patras that designs and builds a wind turbine, from the first idea to a working prototype.
11Members
4Departments
How a wind turbine works
From wind to electricity in four steps.
Rotation
The shape of the blades creates a force that turns the rotor.
Generator
The rotation is transferred to the generator, which converts it into electrical energy.
Electricity
Power electronics and control adapt the energy so that it can be used.
Our competition
Airrion is developing its wind turbine for the International Small Wind Turbine Contest (ISWTC), an annual contest in which university student teams from different countries design and build a small wind turbine.
Design
Teams design the turbine based on theoretical research. Two weeks before the tests they hand in a technical report and a sustainability report to the jury; the latter covers the turbine’s suitability for developing regions (life cycle assessment, embeddedness, maintainability, choice of materials).
Build and test
From February to June the teams build their turbines. Usually at the end of June or the beginning of July each team is tested for 2–3 hours in the Open Jet Facility wind tunnel of TU Delft, after passing an inspection of the electronics and mechanical safety systems. The power output is measured.
Final symposium
At the Energy Barn in Groningen the teams present their turbines and results. A jury of industry and academic experts assesses them and announces the winners at an award ceremony open to the public.
Our story
Airrion was founded by students of the University of Patras with a shared vision: to put into practice what we learn in the classroom by designing a wind turbine.
Mission
To design and build an efficient wind turbine, drawing on the knowledge and creativity of our students.
Vision
To become a point of reference for student research and innovation in renewable energy.
Project progress
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Founding of the team
Airrion starts as a student initiative of the University of Patras.
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Design
Aerodynamic and mechanical study of the wind turbine.
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Prototype construction
Manufacturing and assembly of the prototype.
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Testing
Operational tests and performance measurements.
Latest news
All newsWelcome to the Airrion website
Our new website is here. We will keep you updated on the progress of the project.
Join the team
Are you a student who wants to take part? Send us a message and we will get back to you.
Send us a messageSupport the project
Are you a company or organisation that would like to support our project? Get in touch and we will explore how you can help.
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