New Low-Speed Wind Turbine Blade

[jpak]

http://www.technologynewsdaily.com/node/5243

Knight & Carver’s Wind Blade Division has completed the first in a series of 27.5-meter wind blades as part of a U.S. Department of Energy project that ranks among the industry’s most innovative advances in wind energy production.

With the name “STAR” – which stands for “Sweep Twist Adaptive Rotor” – the blade is the first of its kind ever built. Its most distinctive characteristic is a gently curved tip, which unlike the vast majority of blades in current use, is specially designed for low-wind-speed regions.

Sized overall at 27.5 meters (approx. 90’2”) x 2.4 meters (approx. 7’8”), the blade takes maximum advantage of all wind speeds, including marginal speeds. Instead of the traditional linear shape, the blade features a curvature toward the trailing edge, designed to relieve pressure on the blade and turbine drive train.

“Depending on the wind farm’s site, this blade will capture between 5 and 10 percent more energy,” said Gary Kanaby, Knight & Carver’s Blade Division Manager.

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[GreenPartyVoter]

1. Very cool

[JohnWxy]

2. Very significant. will inprove the loading factor for wind-power!

Ain't it amazing. Progress is possible when people set their minds to it. This is only possible when attempted by those who don't sit on their minds.

[Porcupine]

3. But Nuclear Power still better, happier, cheaper, perkier and

smells more like air after REALLY big thunderstorm. Wind power for stupids. :sarcasm:

Just saving somebody the trouble.

Actually this is yet another little incremental step towards making wind feasable for middle america. Wind power could save rural economies and support strong communities in the midwest.