Eco Factor: Laser beams to increase wind turbine efficiency by 10%.
A Virginia-based company called Catch the Wind has developed a new fiber-optic laser system that they hope will give wind turbines an additional 20 seconds to adjust to gusts and wind direction. According to the company’s claims, these invaluable 20 seconds can increase the output of wind turbines by as much as 10%.
The device, called the LIDAR (Light detection and ranging), is mounted on top of the turbine. The system then monitors the vertical and horizontal wind speed and changes in the wind direction. The small size of the system not only makes it compatible with all wind turbines but its ruggedness also assures a good enough life span. The company plans to make the product available on the market by 2010.
The Dark Side:
A 10% increase in performance deserves a compliment. But a laser device will surely increase the cost of the already expensive turbines.
Via: CleanTechnica
