MuteSkin

The problem of turbulence-induced noise

Turbulence-induced noise is the dominant contributor to noise pollution in wind energy production

Turbulent-boundary-layer trailing-edge (TBL-TE) noise is the single largest source of audible noise

Current blades and add-ons are not optimized for maximum noise abatement

Meet MuteSkin^®

Our technology reduces overall blade noise by 6 dB(A) compared to untreated blades. We develop blade add-ons with anisotropic permeability that reduce turbulent-boundary-layer trailing-edge noise. Designs are unique to specific turbines and environments. Lower noise and increase your annual energy production (AEP), for a more sustainable future.

The concept

Our team has published several scientific papers outlining the flow concepts that built towards MuteSkin^® technology. Some recent highlights include:

Numerical analysis of a 3-D printed porous trailing edge for broadband noise reduction

Journal of Fluid Mechanics. September 2021.

An alternative permeable topology design space for trailing-edge noise attenuation

International Journal of Aeroacoustics. March 2021.

Quantitative criteria to design optimal permeable trailing edges for noise abatement

Journal of Sound and Vibration. October 2020.

Temperature-activated change of permeable material properties for low-noise trailing edge applications

Applied Sciences. August 2019.

3D-printed perforated trailing edges for broadband noise abatement

25th AIAA/CEAS Aeroacoustics Conference. May 2019.

Experimental characterization of the turbulent boundary layer over a porous trailing edge for noise abatement

Journal of Sound and Vibration. March 2019.

Key benefits

A low-cost worry-free approach to wind turbine noise abatement

Passive

Our add-on is passive, it just works. There is no energy expenditure and it has zero moving parts. It is inherently light, simple, and cheap

AEP increase

The substantially lower turbine noise allows for more continuous energy production at noise-constrained sites for the same turbine

Low maintenance

Our add-ons are simple, making them compatible with standard cleaning and maintenance procedures

Retrofittable

The technology can easily be retrofitted to existing blades in order to obtain significant noise abatement

Low impact

We strive for recyclability in materials and manufacturing to ensure that the add-ons are fit for the circular economy of the future

Best-in-class

The add-ons have a performance superior to all types of serrations, reaching reductions of up to 12 dB in the lab

Noise pollution is straining society

MuteSkin^® has benefits beyond wind turbine noise reduction. A variety of high-tech industries are struggling with noise pollution and will benefit from our technologies

Aviation - Trailing-edge noise from the wings in high-lift configuration is one of the major noise sources during landing

Ventilation - Modern buildings and vehicles rely more and more on mechanical ventilation, spurred further by the COVID-19 pandemic. Noise is a determining comfort factor

Drones - Noise pollution is one of the key challenges for the broad adoption of many use cases for drones in urban areas

MuTech

The team is based at Delft University of Technology. Our vision is to have improved the lives of 10,000 people living close to 100 onshore wind turbines by 2024.

Michiel van Nesselrooij

Chief Technology Officer

Friso Hartog

Chief Product Officer

Olaf van Campenhout

Chief Executive Officer

Laurens Broekhof

Head business development

Bieke von den Hoff

Head of acoustics

Niels Verdegaal

Engineer

Marlon van Crugten

Graduate aeroacoustics

Hielke Piera

Graduate aeroacoustics

TU Delft

MuTech is supported by the TU Delft department of Flow Physics and Technology and the Aircraft Noise and Climate Effects research group, leading institutions in the field of aeroacoustics.