13 replies to this topic

[FamilyTreeClimber]

I've seen the wind turbines at Altamont Pass many times.  While there were intriguing at first, they aren't really exciting to look at.

Behold some very unique wind turbines:
http://www.ecofriend...urbine-designs/

I like the kite design, though I have no idea how it works.  The street sign design would probably be very functional.  The maglev levitation wind turbine is said to produce enough energy for 750,000 homes.

I wonder how birds would fare against many of these designs?

[zararina]

I have not seen the wind turbines in Ilocos here yet but based on photos, it has a simple design.
Looking at the unique designs in the link makes me wonder how they will really work or does they work the same compared to the traditional wind turbine designs. Will need to read more...

[FamilyTreeClimber]

I wondered the same thing, Zararina.  The snake shaped one is neat to look at, but is it practical?  It kind of looks dangerous.  I wouldn't want to be standing too close to it.

I like the idea of incorporating them into freeway signs.  Since you expect to see something industrial on the freeway, it wouldn't detract from the view.

[dissn_it]

It is nice to see creative and artistic designs being developed because I think more people would be likely to purchase them for their homes. I like the Mariah Power’s Windspire turbine. It sounds like it is practical and very safe for birds, too. I hadn't realized wind turbines were killing birds before.
The freeway turbines are very cool, too. I think they could be a distraction the first time you see them but after you got used to them, you probably wouldn't even pay any attention to them.

[FamilyTreeClimber]

dissn-it, bird deaths are a big issue with wind turbines.  At Altamont they've tried all sorts of different things including noises of predators to long perches that take the bird away from the blades.  Still, they manage to get caught up in them.  The new turbines that are being installed are much taller than the old ones.  They say this will reduce the amount of bird deaths.

There is probably a reason for it, but I've often wonder why they don't put a cover on them like stand up fans that we have in our house.  I guess it would be impractical.  Maybe it would block the wind and make the turbine useless.

[meowcow]

I am glad to see that professionals are continuing to push themselves in this area. Even though alternative energy is at an all time high, it definitely does not mean that it has reached its peak. There is always room for improvement, and I can't wait to see them come up with something that is finally economic and convenient enough to release for personal use instead of industrial. Those designs were awesome! Thanks very much for sharing. :)

[FamilyTreeClimber]

meowcow, It is great to see the innovation.  The more designs are developed the sooner someone will happen on something that revolutionizes the industry.  Then, prices will drop and it will be easier for cities and business to use these means.

I'd like to see the US puts its effort being the research much like we did with the Space Race.  There is no reason we can't do it if we set out minds to it.  Really, when things like wind turbines become more mainstream, it will benefit whole communities.

[joeldgreat]

I like #10 the most (Wind Belt). I think its the best thing that happen in wind turbine designs as it helps third world countries to cope up with the rest of the world.

[artistry]

Very unique designs. The highway mounted turbine is quite interesting, as is the Mariah Powers design. Many others look feasible, how practical, that is another question. Thanks so much for a great post..

[yoder]

I like the wind belt as well and can see it expanding into a lot of markets.  One that I've been following for a few years now is this one:
http://www.aerotecture.com

They don't do residential turbines yet that I know of, but their design is efficient and I've even started looking at the materials I'd need to build my own.

[Shortpoet-GTD]

#15-Darrieus are already working in Texas; there's a few along 1-40.

[ACSAPA]

I think the wind belt and the sky serpent are really cool. I love the idea of residential turbines too. I wonder how long it will take before the price and size of wind turbines are small enough for people to have them around their houses. I guess the electric companies won't be too happy if people start using alternative energy sources in their homes, but who cares?

[FamilyTreeClimber]

I guess how much electric companies like it depends on your state and if they need to meet goals for alternative energy.  In California, we keep revising our goals and setting them higher.  It seems to me that partnerships between the provider and the resident might be a win win situation.

For instance, we have something called Flex Alerts in California (maybe they are nationwide?).  When there is a Flex Alert, it means there is high energy usage on the electrical grid usually due to high temperatures around the state.  When one is called, everyone is supposed to turn off lights, unnecessary appliances, etc., so that the system doesn't get overloaded.  If that happens they have to call rolling blackouts.

We just got out of a heat wave which was pretty much statewide.  It lasted two weeks.  Inland areas stayed between 95 and 110F.

They called Flex Alerts three days in a row, but something happened and we never hit the peak use for electricity.  It wasn't because so many people turned off appliances.  It was because of the amount of residential users who had solar installed and who weren't drawing on the system and/or they were selling energy back to the grid.  They said that this year because of the rebates people receive to install solar that it is making a difference.  This is the first year we've managed not to hit the red peak and were able to avoid rolling black outs.  Those were not fun during the Enron years!

My point is if the electric company looks at how alternative energy users can contribute to the system and help them avoid things like rolling black outs, it can be seen as a beneficial partnership.

[aphil]

This has been so interesting looking at these designs. So much thought and creativity were put into them. I like the tall, quiet one and the highway model makes a lot of sense too. All of them seek to capture the most wind, and reduce the noise level, and be bird friendly.  What is really amazing is how they all seem to be better models, yet all of them are so different from one another. It just goes to show you how each oerson has a unique intelligence and creativity to offer.