Interesting new Wind Turbine idea

[Doggle Avaddit]

"Wind Lens" Turbines Could Boost Energy Generation 3X | Inhabitat - Green Design Will Save the World

[John_M]

Interesting looking concept, but it says a 112m diameter lens will supply enough energy for an average household, which doesn't seem much for a device that size.

[Doggle Avaddit]

Originally Posted by John_M

Interesting looking concept, but it says a 112m diameter lens will supply enough energy for an average household, which doesn't seem much for a device that size.

Yes I know, it is rather a meagre output, but this is just an idea in its infancy. It may not come to anything at all, just thought it was interesting!

It does perhaps illustrate that the future may turn out to be rather different to the way we currently envisage it.

[Lancashire Lad]

This is basically a rather feeble looking version of vorticed turbines, which unless the "cone" shaped wind funnel was several times longer than the overall width of rotor, would have negligible effect on overall generating capacity.

And, if it were anywhere near the length needed, it would be practically impossible to keep the turbine blades orientated towards the wind. (They would be have to be aligned with the "funnel" assembly, which would also need to be turned towards the wind along with the rotors. The speed at which this would need to be achieved to remain efficient as a generating assembly, would be nigh on impossible due to the physical size and weight of the structures involved).

If the design was to remain anything remotely like what is shown in the artists impression, these turbines would still be very much limited by Betz law - with a maximum theoretical efficiency of only 59.3%.

Several companies have looked at physically large vorticed wind turbines in the past, and have gone into liquidation having spent millions of pounds in research. (If I recollect, I have previously mentioned the company Vortec as being one of these companies, in other threads).

The future of wind generation may well throw up something that is, as of yet, not dreamed of. But until such time as something radically outside of current thinking but also a viable concept appears, Betz law will always be the determining factor with regards to its efficiency.

Regards,
Mike.

[Doggle Avaddit]

Originally Posted by Lancashire Lad

This is basically a rather feeble looking version of vorticed turbines, which unless the "cone" shaped wind funnel was several times longer than the overall width of rotor, would have negligible effect on overall generating capacity.

And, if it were anywhere near the length needed, it would be practically impossible to keep the turbine blades orientated towards the wind. (They would be have to be aligned with the "funnel" assembly, which would also need to be turned towards the wind along with the rotors. The speed at which this would need to be achieved to remain efficient as a generating assembly, would be nigh on impossible due to the physical size and weight of the structures involved).

If the design was to remain anything remotely like what is shown in the artists impression, these turbines would still be very much limited by Betz law - with a maximum theoretical efficiency of only 59.3%.

Several companies have looked at physically large vorticed wind turbines in the past, and have gone into liquidation having spent millions of pounds in research. (If I recollect, I have previously mentioned the company Vortec as being one of these companies, in other threads).

The future of wind generation may well throw up something that is, as of yet, not dreamed of. But until such time as something radically outside of current thinking but also a viable concept appears, Betz law will always be the determining factor with regards to its efficiency.

Regards,
Mike.

Well, this is what the inventor is claiiming.

http://www.riam.kyushu-u.ac.jp/winde...se/English.htm



Perhaps you can enlighten us as to why you think these claims are spurious.

[Lancashire Lad]

As I've said before, I'm not a wind turbine engineer.

But does it not seem fairly obvious that if these things were as efficient as is being suggested, all the major companies would be looking into similar technology?

And, again, if they were so efficient, why have all the previous companies that have invested millions of pounds and years of research into such vorticed designs, gone out of business?

I have seen too many extravagant claims over the years to remain anything but sceptical.

However, I do sincerely hope that I will be proved wrong, and that these, or some other technology will indeed come up with an incredibly efficient wind turbine - that can only be good for everyone.

Regrds,
Mike.

[nightshade]

These are even more obtrusive than the three bladed things that are springing up everywhere. I would prefer vertical axis turbines just 'cause they might look better

[Hobjob]

My initial gut reaction was it was a copy of Mr Dyson's new (and expensive) household fan!

Even if it is more efficient that the current tri-blades, it won't make the wind blow for any longer than it does now.

[Dorts]

Here's an idea I have had for many years that I would like you all to mull over.
Probably not possible or practical but here goes:

Would it be feasible to put a small turbine or rotor generator on the top of every electricity pylon in the country, and for the electricity generated to be fed, via a device, directly into the grid?
Dorts.

[nightshade]

Now that is original! it would have to be vertical axis because of the restriction of the cables. Of course the pylon owners will winge about their share of revenue and the expense of upgrading/strengthening the pylons.