Wind Turbine Developments

[Xale D]

There are a few new/newer developments in wind turbines that are becoming available and are increasing the efficiency and thus, the viability of wind power.

First, is the simple "Wind Lens" which can double or possibly triple the speed of the turbine, meaning you can use smaller blades or in lower wind-speed regions.

Then, there's the "WindTamer", which looks like something Dyson would produce, but everything I'm seeing is living up to the hype.

[KnightoftheRoc]

Nice find! I'm considering the viability of some wind turbines on a farm I'm looking at, coupled with solar panels. Considering the space I'll have available, and the small footprint on the ground, I don't see a downside to having some turbines out in the largest field, which is primarily for hay. Conduits for the wiring can be buried deep enough that plowing would never hit it, so if I switched that field to corn or something, it would still be an option.

I'm using the same line of thought on the solar panels, since I'd have a HUGE south-facing portion of roof that would otherwise be doing nothing. Might as well mount some panels on it, and make the juice!

While my own preference, and current line of research, is hydrogen fuel gas from water, I don't see any sense in having a resource available for free, like solar or wind, and not using it. Especially with these types of applications, where there is no environmental impact from it's use. I like the idea of coupling solar with wind, as when one is available, the other is often not, and if both are, it's a double win!

[NamelessStain]

Yes, nice finds.

Here's an airborne generator vid (the voice is annoying, sorry): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfQC37itlWE
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airborne_wind_turbine

Kite Generators: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hfct44Qs ... re=related

The cons: Gives away your location in a PAW

[TacAir]

There are a few new/newer developments in wind turbines that are becoming available and are increasing the efficiency and thus, the viability of wind power.

First, is the simple "Wind Lens" which can double or possibly triple the speed of the turbine, meaning you can use smaller blades or in lower wind-speed regions.

Then, there's the "WindTamer", which looks like something Dyson would produce, but everything I'm seeing is living up to the hype.

The Lens U-toob has been removed.

The other is a computer animation - less than vaporware it would seem.

[Joshua_Steele]

Link for youtube video on the Wind Lens development in Japan.

In English or with sub-titles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQexzNg_e9A&feature=related

[TacAir]

Link for youtube video on the Wind Lens development in Japan.

In English or with sub-titles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQexzNg_e9A&feature=related

Cool. Thanks for the link.

This technology has been in use for time on aircraft...



More

[KnightoftheRoc]

Link for youtube video on the Wind Lens development in Japan.

In English or with sub-titles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQexzNg_e9A&feature=related

Cool link- thanks!