Currently, the project is not at the stage of mass production for the E-flag. We need more time to optimize, develop, and certify the device to make it available for worldwide sales. Following this, we work out the manufacturing technology for mass production (as we currently only have individually crafted prototypes) and then start the sales through established commercial channels. We are actively seeking partners with existing capabilities and capacity for further development, production, and sales.
The speed of these developments is directly proportional to the available resources; therefore, the question “when?” depends on how much resources we can allocate to the project.

E-Flag can be installed practically anywhere, fits well in both urban and rural environments. It achieves maximum efficiency at moderate wind speed, but of course, stronger winds produce more energy. Therefore, in urban settings, placing it at higher positions will enhance its performance.

It completes existing or future solar panel systems, as solar and wind energy typically alternate. In off-grid environments, it reduces the need for energy storage capacity by approximately 30%, resulting in cost-effective solutions for establishment and maintenance.

Installation doesn’t require more, than that of a conventional flag of the same size.

When choosing the materials for the E-flag, primary consideration was given to its resistance against weather conditions. These materials are highly durable and can withstand UV-radiation, rain, snow, and freezing temperatures.

E-Flag comes with storm protection. When strong winds blow, the supporting frame of the flag material changes its geometry, transforming the previous wave-like shape of the flag into a flat surface. This way it effectively reduces its wind-facing area, almost disappearing from the wind, so the gale force wind passes the flag.

– Primarily, we are targeting environmentally conscious SMEs as potential customers, especially those who already have a solar panel system, as it further reduces the installation costs. With good placement, they can achieve fast ROI period, as short as 3-4 years, making the green energy production an eye-catching, innovative, environmentally-conscious advertising opportunity so attractive to them.

– Additionally, large corporations might find it interesting due to its fast ROI period and the advantage it provides in the energy production market, showcasing their environmental consciousness. With increasing sustainability demands from investors (ESG certification) and consumers, more and more companies (and their suppliers) are emphasizing environmental protection and sustainability. However, they have struggled to effectively display their sustainability projects to their customers and clients, and the E-flag can effectively help them with that.

– Governments and municipalities may also find it intriguing. Many countries and local governments are already developing substantial climate protection and environmental plans and strategies to meet the demands of their citizens. The green energy supply for government and municipal buildings, street lighting, etc., plays a significant role in these plans. Apart from economics, a visible, environmentally-conscious appearance is crucial in this sector for political gains.

– Individuals in the general population might also be interested. With economical green energy production and meeting architectural requirements with environmental consciousness, a growing number of environmentally-conscious individuals worldwide are looking for ways to contribute significantly to combating climate change. However, solar panel installations may not be the optimal solution for about 40% of the population due to issues like lack of optimal placement, simultaneous grid problems, or insufficient hours of sunlight. The E-flag can cater to this substantial market gap.

– In the EU, including Hungary, new architectural requirements have been introduced, mandating that newly constructed buildings must source at least 25% of their energy needs from renewable energy sources generated or originating on the property or nearby. These requirements will generate significant demand for renewable energy sources that can be installed on properties. However, as mentioned, economically installing solar panels may not be feasible for a substantial portion of buildings, creating a significant market opportunity for the E-flag.

During the design and manufacturing process, the primary focus is to ensure that E-flag is constructed from simple, structural elements and materials with minimal environmental impact. Basically, E-flag is a simpler mechanical structure than a bicycle. Considering E-flag’s entire lifecycle, including manufacturing, installation, operation, disposal, and recycling processes, i.e., its environmental footprint, it stands as one of the most eco-friendly green energy generating devices.
In contrast, the best-performing three-blade HAWT wind turbines available today cannot be installed in close proximity to populated areas due to safety reasons. If the brake fails during a storm, the rapidly spinning blades can easily explode. E-flag does not have such a personal safety risks. As a result, it is suitable for installation even in urban environments.
Furthermore, E-flag does not present a threat to wildlife, including birds, unlike traditional wind turbines.

Final prices depend on production and distribution costs.
Since the e-flag is no more complicated than a bicycle and does not require any special materials or technology, we believe that we will not be more expensive than a bicycle in mass production.
The calculation also considers competitive ROI periods. It becomes more advantageous when installed next to an existing solar panel system, as part of the energy infrastructure is already in place.

Currently, our 8th generation prototype has undergone validated measurements in a wind tunnel conducted by the Department of Fluid Mechanics at the Budapest University of Technology and Economics. The results vary depending on the location and average wind speed; for instance, an increase of 1 m/s in average wind speed results in approximately 100% more generated electrical energy.

The size of an E-Flag would be approximately the size of the flags you can see at gas stations and supermarkets: about 5 meters tall and 1.5 meters wide.

However, it is primarily the combination with solar panels where we see the most likely breakthrough option.

Based on our measurements, we have calculated that in a place with average wind speeds of 4-5 m/s, 1-2pc E-flags can supply the average annál electricity needs of a household of 4 people.

YES!

– For the development and the launch of production, E-flag needs resources. We gladly accept any donations, which will be used for further development. Additionally, we are actively seeking either financial or professional investors who see potential in this project and willing to support it through their network. You can find our contact information under the “Contact” section.

– Furthermore, you can support the E-flag project by sharing it on social networks and forwarding it to your friends, acquaintances, to media, and well-known journalists who might be interested. Thank you for your support in advance!

The Kármán Vortex Street is an important phenomenon in hydrodynamics and aerodynamics. It is named after the Hungarian scientist, Theodore von Kármán, who provided the first theoretical explanation of turbulent flow patterns behind objects placed in a fluid medium. In strong winds, the fluttering of flags is created by the formation of vortices that detach from their edges.
Hungarian-born Theodore von Kármán (Budapest, May 11, 1881 – Aachen, May 6, 1963) was a mechanical engineer, physicist, and applied mathematician, often referred to as the patron saint of the United States Air Force (USAF). He is recognized as a pioneer in supersonic flight and a trailblazer in rocket technology and hypersonic space travel. As a physicist and applied mathematician, he made significant contributions to the development of hydrodynamics, modern gas dynamics, and 20th-century aerodynamics. He was entrusted with the establishment, organization, and direction of numerous research institutions, national and international governing bodies. Many countries highly value his contributions and expertise.

Karman vortex street

The efficiency of the E-Flag was measured in the wind tunnel of Budapest University of Technology, comparing it to a traditional HAWT (Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine) available in the market. Based on the results, E-flag already outperforms the HAWT in terms of efficiency up to 6.6 m/s (23.76 km/h) wind speed.

This means, that E-flag can generate electricity more efficiently, than the traditional HAWT for approximately 80% of the time, considering the presence of wind at 365 days and 24 hours. Therefore, the focus of our development efforts is to further enhance the efficiency of E-Flag at higher wind speeds as well.