See other Science/Tech Articles
Title: Japanese breakthrough will make wind power cheaper than nuclear
Source:
mnn.com - mother nature network
URL Source: http://www.mnn.com/green-tech/resea ... wind-power-cheaper-than-nuclea
Published: Aug 29, 2011
Author: Karl Burkart
Post Date: 2011-09-07 23:19:11 by GreyLmist
Keywords: Wind lens turbines, offshore platform
Views: 434
Comments: 29
A surprising aerodynamic innovation in wind turbine design called the 'wind lens' could triple the output of a typical wind turbine, making it less costly than nuclear power. Snapshot from video NOTE: Some major wind projects like the proposed TWE Carbon Valley project in Wyoming are already pricing in significantly lower than coal power -- $80 per MWh for wind versus $90 per MWh for coal -- and that is without government subsidies using today's wind turbine technology. The International Clean Energy Analysis (ICEA) gateway estimates that the U.S. possesses 2.2 million km2 of high wind potential (Class 3-7 winds) — about 850,000 square miles of land that could yield high levels of wind energy. This makes the U.S. something of a Saudi Arabia for wind energy, ranked third in the world for total wind energy potential. Let's say we developed just 20 percent of those wind resources — 170,000 square miles (440,000 km2) or an area roughly 1/4 the size of Alaska — we could produce a whopping 8.7 billion megawatt hours of electricity each year (based on a theoretical conversion of six 1.5 MW turbines per km2 and an average output of 25 percent. (1.5 MW x 365 days x 24 hrs x 25% = 3,285 MWh's). The United States uses about 26.6 billion MWh's, so at the above rate we could satisfy a full one-third of our total annual energy needs. (Of course, this assumes the concurrent deployment of a nationwide Smart Grid that could store and disburse the variable sources of wind power as needed using a variety of technologies — gas or coal peaking, utility scale storage via batteries or fly-wheels, etc). Now what if a breakthrough came along that potentially tripled the energy output of those turbines? You see where I'm going. We could in theory supply the TOTAL annual energy needs of the U.S. simply by exploiting 20 percent of our available wind resources. Well, such a breakthrough has been made, and it's called the "wind lens." [ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifF-MOuzM_s&feature=player_embedded ] Imagine: no more dirty coal power, no more mining deaths, no more nuclear disasters, no more polluted aquifers as a result of fracking. Our entire society powered by the quiet "woosh" of a wind turbine. Kyushu University's wind lens turbine is one example of the many innovations happening right now that could in the near future make this utopian vision a reality. Yes, it's a heck of a lot of wind turbines (about 2,640,000) but the U.S. with its endless miles of prairie and agricultural land is one of the few nations that could actually deploy such a network of wind turbines without disrupting the current productivity of the land (Russia and China also come to mind). It would also be a win-win for states in the highest wind area — the Midwest — which has been hard hit by the recession. And think of the millions upon millions of jobs that would be created building a 21st century energy distribution system free of the shackles of ever-diminishing fossil fuel supplies. It's also important to point out that growth in wind power capacity is perfectly symbiotic with projected growth in electric vehicles. EV battery packs can soak up wind power produced during the night, helping to equalize the curve of daytime energy demand. So the controversial investment currently being entertained by President Obama to pipe oil down from the Canadian Tar Sands would — in my utopian vision — be a moot point. It is indeed a lofty vision, but the technology we need is now in our reach. And think of the benefits of having our power production fed by a resource that is both free and unlimited. One downside often cited by advocates of coal and gas power is that wind turbines require a lot more maintenence than a typical coal or gas power plant. But in a lagging economy this might just be wind power's biggest upside — it will create lots and lots of permanent jobs, sparking a new cycle of economic growth in America. Editor's note: Want more info? Karl breaks down the math in his next post.
Poster Comment: The offshore platform design seems a good idea. Maybe tidal turbines could also be included below those, doubling as anchors. Here are a few simple homemade ideas for harnassing wind energy: homemade spiral shaped wind turbine - 18 sec. How I made my first pvc wind turbine - 51 sec. Bicycle Wheel Windmill - 1.50 mins.
Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
#1. To: GreyLmist (#0)
Backup for wind could come from further fully exploiting natural and man-made hydro sites.
Imagine no more birds (wind turbines kill them), no more sleep (wind turbine make noise), no more jobs in mining towns, etc.
#2. To: GreyLmist (#0)
Imagine: no more dirty coal power, no more mining deaths, no more nuclear disasters, no more polluted aquifers as a result of fracking.
Anyone offended by this post, click here.
 | "The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion." -Albert Camus. |
#3. To: GreyLmist (#0) (Edited)
The powers that be can't possibly like this. Cheap easy energy that they can't make any money of off or control people with. They will start WW3 before they watch their grip on the world slip from their fingers.
God is always good!
#4. To: Armadillo (#2)
Wind striking anything makes noise, including your house. The total noise output won't be hardly noticed with well engineered windmills.
wind turbine make noise
God is always good!
#5. To: Tatarewicz (#1)
Yes. And waterfalls like Niagra would also have some strong air currents to power wind turbines too with not as much bird traffic.
Backup for wind could come from further fully exploiting natural and man-made hydro sites.
-------
"They're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time." -- Col. Puller, USMC
#6. To: Armadillo (#2)
Imagine Chicago, The Windy City, doing something better than being a nest for gangsterism.
-------
"They're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time." -- Col. Puller, USMC
#7. To: RickyJ (#3)
They want to start WW3 anyway. Not building wind turbines hasn't deterred them from that despicable blueprint.
The powers that be can't possibly like this. Cheap easy energy that they can't make any money of off or control people with. They will start WW3 before they watch their grip on the world slip from their fingers.
-------
"They're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time." -- Col. Puller, USMC
#8. To: Armadillo (#2)
I'm thinking some standard wire fencing around that homemade spiral shaped wind turbine would keep the birds away and not impede the wind currents much.
Imagine no more birds (wind turbines kill them),
-------
"They're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time." -- Col. Puller, USMC
#9. To: Armadillo (#2)
Mesh screens over the windmills would stop that.
Imagine no more birds (wind turbines kill them)
God is always good!
#10. To: Armadillo (#2)
Let's ask the miners if they'd rather work in dangerous conditions underground or at a Wind Turbine facility.
no more jobs in mining towns
-------
"They're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time." -- Col. Puller, USMC
#11. To: GreyLmist (#0)
In what universe are there "ever-diminishing fossil fuel supplies"? Where is the proof that our fuel even comes primarily, if at all, from fossils? I called bs on that a long time ago when I thought about how much oil and gas is used EVERY DAY just in the US and thought about what a effin' pile of dead dinosaurs it would have taken to have made all of it. It seems that the earth creates oil and gas in the mantle in some kind of natural process that doesn't require dead dinosaurs. I'm thinking that if that were really the case then we would have been out way before now.
ever-diminishing fossil fuel supplies
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end. Lord Acton
The human herd stampedes on the fields of facts and the valleys of truth to get to the desert of ignorance. Saman Mohammadi
The only difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits. Albert Einstein
"...if the military is going to defend our freedoms, then we need freedoms to defend. Our freedoms must be restored before the military can defend them..." Lawrence M. Vance
#12. To: James Deffenbach (#11)
I hear ya. Just skip the part about the supposed fossil fuel supplies.
-------
"They're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time." -- Col. Puller, USMC
#13. To: GreyLmist (#12)
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end. Lord Acton
The human herd stampedes on the fields of facts and the valleys of truth to get to the desert of ignorance. Saman Mohammadi
The only difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits. Albert Einstein
"...if the military is going to defend our freedoms, then we need freedoms to defend. Our freedoms must be restored before the military can defend them..." Lawrence M. Vance
#14. To: GreyLmist, *Agriculture-Environment* (#0)
ping
free and legal online poker site click here
#15. To: freepatriot32 (#14)
Thanks for the group ping freepatriot. I should expand my list but am sort of forgetful about utilizing it.
-------
"They're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time." -- Col. Puller, USMC
#16. To: James Deffenbach (#13)
Note to myself to give more thought to the overtone of my posts before hitting the Post it button. :)
-------
"They're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time." -- Col. Puller, USMC
#17. To: GreyLmist (#16)
LOL! Nothing wrong with your reply. I just like posting that picture of Buckwheat saying Otay!
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end. Lord Acton
The human herd stampedes on the fields of facts and the valleys of truth to get to the desert of ignorance. Saman Mohammadi
The only difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits. Albert Einstein
"...if the military is going to defend our freedoms, then we need freedoms to defend. Our freedoms must be restored before the military can defend them..." Lawrence M. Vance
#18. To: James Deffenbach (#17)
I like the Little Rascals too. :)
-------
"They're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time." -- Col. Puller, USMC
#19. To: GreyLmist (#18)
Anyone who doesn't like the Little Rascals just about has to be a communist and up to no good. Either that or too young to know who and what we're talking about.
Liberty is not a means to a higher political end. It is itself the highest political end. Lord Acton
The human herd stampedes on the fields of facts and the valleys of truth to get to the desert of ignorance. Saman Mohammadi
The only difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits. Albert Einstein
"...if the military is going to defend our freedoms, then we need freedoms to defend. Our freedoms must be restored before the military can defend them..." Lawrence M. Vance
#20. To: Armadillo, GreyLmist (#2)
Imagine being smart enough to understand what a stupid statement that is.
Imagine no more birds (wind turbines kill them), no more sleep (wind turbine make noise), no more jobs in mining towns, etc.
No Planes. Think about it. ... Guaranteed Penetration (no it's not porn)... "To see what is in front of one's nose requires a constant struggle." ~ George Orwell... Israelis For 9/11 Truth
#21. To: James Deffenbach (#19)
Indeed, sir. Quite right.
Anyone who doesn't like the Little Rascals just about has to be a communist and up to no good. Either that or too young to know who and what we're talking about.
-------
"They're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time." -- Col. Puller, USMC
#22. To: wudidiz, GreyLmist (#20)
It's called humor, humorless Canadian asswipe. Still, what I wrote is based on fact. Educate yourself.Imagine being smart enough to understand what a stupid statement that is.
I don't know what makes you so dumb but it really works.
HERE is a good place to start.
Anyone offended by this post, click here.
| "The only way to deal with an unfree world is to become so absolutely free that your very existence is an act of rebellion." -Albert Camus. |
#23. To: dillo, wud (#22)
jeez wud. you're a canuck ? lol
It's called humor, humorless Canadian asswipe.
"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.”—Samuel Adams 
#24. To: wudidiz, Armadillo, GreyLmist, Rotara (#20)
What an ass. I mean really, what a fucking ass.
Imagine being smart enough to understand what a stupid statement that is.
#25. To: Rotara (#23)
Don't tell anybody.
jeez wud. you're a canuck ? lol
No Planes. Think about it. ... Guaranteed Penetration (no it's not porn)... "To see what is in front of one's nose requires a constant struggle." ~ George Orwell... Israelis For 9/11 Truth
#26. To: RickyJ (#3)
I guess you missed this part of the story The United States uses about 26.6 billion MWh's, so at the above rate we could satisfy a full one-third of our total annual energy needs. (Of course, this assumes the concurrent deployment of a nationwide Smart Grid that could store and disburse the variable sources of wind power as needed using a variety of technologies — gas or coal peaking, utility scale storage via batteries or fly-wheels, etc). the smart grid is nothing but total real time control of the electricity they allow you have from the grid.
the most factual thing ever posted by buckeroo
I have no freaking' clue. buckeroo posted on 2010-07-24 21:33:00 ET
#27. To: Armadillo (#22)
I'm not humorless ;)
humorless Canadian asswipe
No Planes. Think about it. ... Guaranteed Penetration (no it's not porn)... "To see what is in front of one's nose requires a constant struggle." ~ George Orwell... Israelis For 9/11 Truth
#28. To: IRTorqued (#26)
I don't know much about that. There are brownouts and blackouts now that control the electricity we get or not. What would be your suggestion to switch over to wind power or use it as a supplement? -- or don't you think there is a workable way to do that?
the smart grid is nothing but total real time control of the electricity they allow you have from the grid.
-------
"They're on our left, they're on our right, they're in front of us, they're behind us...they can't get away this time." -- Col. Puller, USMC
#29. To: GreyLmist (#28)
wind power need only be regional thus keeping it on a localized power grid, this would untangle the leads from coal and hydro power-plants. I install solar power systems that can from a percentage to completely remove the user from the grid. the only problem with birds and a solar cell is the bird poop. we get good wind here but home owners can't install a wind turbine thanks to regulations put into effect when T. Boone Pickens got the wind farm concession.
the most factual thing ever posted by buckeroo
I have no freaking' clue. buckeroo posted on 2010-07-24 21:33:00 ET
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest