Wind turbines have been around for some time now, and yet engineers are constantly trying to find ways to improve them.
Now scientists are helping make offshore wind turbines even more durable, by making them resistant to hurricane-grade storms.
EcoWatch reports that researchers from the University of Boulder, Colorado are designing a new turbine type using inspiration from palm trees.
“We are very much bio-inspired by palm trees, which can survive these hurricane conditions,” Lucy Pao, Palmer Endowed Chair in the Department of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering at the university, said in a statement.
Today’s wind turbines have stiff blades that face incoming winds. The researchers have been experimenting with blades that bend and flex in high winds like palm canopies away from the turbine.
This way there’s no danger of blades hitting the turbine stalk in strong winds. At the same time, the blades are less expensive to manufacture as they don’t need to be extra heavy and stiff.
The team of researchers from Boulder University hopes that the new design can become a low-cost and long-lasting alternative to offshore turbine designs that currently have a lifespan of 20 years.
Nikola uses his background in electrical engineering to break down complex sustainability topics for GreenCitizen's readers. He is a firm believer in environmental conservation, which he practices daily through recycling and home-grown food. He enjoys hiking, engaging in white-water sports, and collecting pocket knives.
Scientists Develop Hurricane-Resistant Wind Turbines
Nikola Gemeš | 2022-06-25 | Category : Green News | 0 minutes read | 1919 Views
Wind turbines have been around for some time now, and yet engineers are constantly trying to find ways to improve them.
Now scientists are helping make offshore wind turbines even more durable, by making them resistant to hurricane-grade storms.
EcoWatch reports that researchers from the University of Boulder, Colorado are designing a new turbine type using inspiration from palm trees.
Today’s wind turbines have stiff blades that face incoming winds. The researchers have been experimenting with blades that bend and flex in high winds like palm canopies away from the turbine.
This way there’s no danger of blades hitting the turbine stalk in strong winds. At the same time, the blades are less expensive to manufacture as they don’t need to be extra heavy and stiff.
The team of researchers from Boulder University hopes that the new design can become a low-cost and long-lasting alternative to offshore turbine designs that currently have a lifespan of 20 years.
More inspiring green news similar to this:
Nikola Gemeš
Nikola uses his background in electrical engineering to break down complex sustainability topics for GreenCitizen's readers. He is a firm believer in environmental conservation, which he practices daily through recycling and home-grown food. He enjoys hiking, engaging in white-water sports, and collecting pocket knives.
Latest News
Trending on GreenCitizen
December-14-2021
Patriot Power Generator Review (2022): Worth Your Money?March-31-2022
Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling: The Complete GuideJune-07-2022
9 Actionable Tips For A Sustainable 4th of July CelebrationJanuary-07-2022
10 Best Eco-Friendly Laundry Detergents (2022)December-05-2021
How to Build a Lean-to Greenhouse?September-02-2020
How to Build Your Own DIY Solar Generator?April-10-2022
44 Of The World’s Most Ethical Companies (Updated 2022)January-03-2022
How to Recycle VHS Tapes and Cassette Tapes: A Complete GuideMay-05-2022
How To Use A Citric Acid Cleaner On Household ItemsJuly-27-2021
How To Dispose Of A Washer And Dryer In An Eco-Friendly Way?Our Services
Category: Green News, Green Technology, Renewable Energy, Wind Power