http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/wind_energy/ Wind Energy Information. From offshore wind turbines to understanding wind turbulence, learn all about using the wind to our advantage. Also, wind testing buildings. en-us Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:05:01 EST Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/matter_energy/wind_energy/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105121037.htm A boat tail, a tapering protrusion mounted on the rear of a truck, leads to fuel savings of 7.5 percent. This is due to dramatically improved aerodynamics, as shown by road tests conducted by the Dutch PART (Platform for Aerodynamic Road Transport) public-private partnership platform. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105121037.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027132959.htm Researchers are investigating long-distance, mobile optical links imperative for secure quantum communications capabilities in theater. They have conducted high data-rate experiments using an optical laser link, a tool which exploits the quantum noise of light for higher security. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091027132959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006191351.htm Gasoline-powered, portable generators can be a lifeline during weather emergencies, but they emit poisonous carbon monoxide. New research shows that to prevent potentially dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, users may need to keep generators farther from the house than previously believed -- perhaps as much as 25 feet. Sat, 10 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006191351.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006173553.htm A fabric-covered, steel frame practice facility owned by the National Football League's Dallas Cowboys collapsed under wind loads significantly less than those required under applicable design standards, according to a new report. Located in Irving, Texas, the facility collapsed on May 2, 2009, during a severe thunderstorm. Twelve people were injured, one seriously. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006173553.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928095347.htm Scientists in Canada have found a way to reduce bat deaths from wind turbines by up to 60 percent without significantly reducing the energy generated from the wind farm. TransAlta has already applied the low wind mitigation strategy to the 38 turbines identified in the study area. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928095347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917144125.htm Researchers are one step closer to creating a micro-aircraft that flies with the maneuverability and energy efficiency of an insect after decoding the aerodynamic secrets of insect flight. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917144125.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910142350.htm A team of environmental scientists demonstrated the enormous potential for wind-generated electricity in China. Using extensive metrological data and incorporating the Chinese government's energy bidding and financial restrictions for delivering wind power, the researchers estimate that wind alone has the potential to meet the country's electricity demands projected for 2030. The switch from coal and other fossil fuels to greener wind-based energy could also mitigate CO2 emissions, thereby reducing pollution. Fri, 11 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910142350.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720134556.htm Americans used more solar, nuclear, biomass and wind energy in 2008 than they did in 2007, according to the most recent energy flow charts. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720134556.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907142512.htm Two new studies highlight some key issues for the future of wind energy in Spain. A team of engineers believes it is "technically viable and economically reasonable" for wind energy to account for 30% of Spain's overall energy production. Another report, meanwhile, says the number of jobs generated by this sector in the European Union has increased by 226% since 2003. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090907142512.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831130658.htm Researchers have found what could be the signal of ideal wave "surfing" conditions for individual particles within the massive turbulent ocean of the solar wind. The discovery could give a new insight into just how energy is dissipated in solar system sized plasmas such as the solar wind and could provide significant clues to scientists developing fusion power which relies on plasmas. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831130658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090812143950.htm Scientists in Germany have developed a radar system with which it is possible to study the behavior of sea waves. This technology will be used immediately on the North Sea on the FINO3 research platform in order to determine the interactions between offshore wind power machines and swells. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090812143950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818182004.htm Expansion of renewable energies should appreciably improve the health status of the 700,000 US workers employed in the energy sector, according to one expert. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090818182004.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143954.htm Astronomers recently observed a mysterious flux of particles in the universe, and the hope was born that this may be the first observation of the remnants of dark matter. But scientists in Sweden have shown that there is another explanation of the flux. Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090811143954.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090717150256.htm For the fourth consecutive year, the United States was home to the fastest-growing wind power market in the world in 2008, according to a new report. Specifically, US wind power capacity additions increased by 60 percent in 2008, representing a $16 billion investment in new wind projects. Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090717150256.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713085451.htm Photovoltaic and wind energy plants, hydroelectric power stations and biogas plants supply energy without polluting the environment. However, they are complex to design and maintain. Virtual reality (VR) makes planning and operation easier. Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090713085451.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616103217.htm How much usable energy do wind turbines produce? It is a question that perplexes engineers and frustrates potential users, especially on windless days. A new study provides a formula for answering this vexing question. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090616103217.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615102038.htm In the future, will wind power tapped by high-flying kites light up New York? A new study identifies New York as a prime location for exploiting high-altitude winds, which globally contain enough energy to meet world demand 100 times over. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615102038.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615144213.htm Experts have evaluated the best building design and construction practices to reduce wind pressures on building surfaces and to resist high winds and hurricanes in residential or commercial construction. Tue, 16 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615144213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528092526.htm Tensairity elements made of air filled membrane assemblies, rods and cables have already made a name for themselves in the construction world as extremely light yet strong load-bearing structures. But is this new technology also suitable for use in the aerospace industry, for example to create novel wings for kites? Researchers are now demonstrating their first flying models. Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090528092526.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521084721.htm Wings which redirect air to waggle sideways could cut airline fuel bills by 20% according to new research. Fri, 22 May 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521084721.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090508093937.htm The first German offshore wind facility is expected be put into operation sometime in 2009. A total of 12 giant wind turbines out at the North Sea will turn near the isle of Borkum, each one generating 5 megawatts of power, the largest worldwide. The electrical current they will produce will be conveyed over a distance of 45 km past Norderney to the mainland, at a depth of two to three meters buried in the seafloor. Mon, 11 May 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090508093937.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090501154141.htm Researchers have developed a technique that uses sensors and computational software to constantly monitor forces exerted on wind turbine blades, a step toward improving efficiency by adjusting for rapidly changing wind conditions. Fri, 08 May 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090501154141.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430081233.htm Scientists have invented a new method for predicting the wind speed of wind farm aerogenerators. The system is based on combining the use of weather forecasting models and artificial neural networks and enables researchers to calculate the energy that wind farms will produce two days in advance. Wed, 06 May 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430081233.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323161223.htm What makes parachuting dangerous? Some people think that it is the risk that the parachute won't open, but new research shows that carelessness or lack of skill in controlling your body or your parachute through the air is considerably more dangerous. Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323161223.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090311085155.htm The trailing edge of wind turbine blades can be manufactured in an elastic material that makes it possible to control the shape of the trailing edge. This will reduce the considerably dynamic loads that large wind turbine blades are exposed to during operation. Tue, 17 Mar 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090311085155.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090302112227.htm Helicopters today are considered a loud, bumpy and inefficient mode for day-to-day domestic travel--best reserved for medical emergencies, traffic reporting and hovering over celebrity weddings. But NASA research into rotor blades made with shape-changing materials could change that view. Twenty years from now, large rotorcraft could be making short hops between cities such as New York and Washington, carrying as many as 100 passengers at a time in comfort and safety. Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090302112227.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090226082350.htm With a new 3D-model for energy simulation scientists are studying the 'physical mystery' of the Voyager spacecraft. Over 30 years ago the spacecraft detected particles in solar wind which were 'hotter' than they should have been according to the existing theory expounded by the mathematician Andrey Kolmogorov in 1941. Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090226082350.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090223083344.htm Dutch power stations are able to cope at any time in the future with variations in demand for electricity and supply of wind power, as long as use is made of up-to-date wind forecasts. Researchers demonstrate that there is no need for energy storage facilities. Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090223083344.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090210134817.htm Dispersed wind farms and solar panels on people’s homes are posing new challenges for managing power grids that were designed when all electricity was generated in centralized plants. A new semantic web technology promises a solution. Wed, 18 Feb 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090210134817.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090119081348.htm The material of wind energy converters must withstand intense forces. Are rotor blades damaged? A new robot inspects wind energy converters more precisely than a human ever could. It detects the minutest damage – even below the surface. Thu, 22 Jan 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090119081348.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090119112654.htm After nearly two years of development and production, the day had arrived: the "Citius" bobsleigh went into the wind tunnel. The tests exceeded expectations. Now the next hurdle must be cleared: the ice track. Tue, 20 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090119112654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090107092724.htm A way to make wind power smoother and more efficient that exploits the inertia of a wind turbine rotor could help solve the problem of wind speed variation, according to new research. Thu, 08 Jan 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090107092724.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081215074644.htm Wind and wave data from ESA's Envisat satellite radar are being used to observe meteorological conditions in the track of the Vendee Globe solo round-the-world yacht race. Mon, 15 Dec 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081215074644.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081210171908.htm Biofuels, nuclear energy and coal are the worst choices for energy alternatives to petroleum products and wind, solar, geothermal, tides and waves are the best, according to results from the first quantitative, scientific evaluation of the proposed, major, energy-related solutions that assesses not only their potential for delivering energy for electricity and vehicles, but also their impacts on global warming, human health, energy security, water supply, space requirements, wildlife, water pollution, reliability and sustainability. Thu, 11 Dec 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081210171908.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081121125604.htm Slow-moving ocean and river currents could be a new, reliable and affordable alternative energy source. Engineers have made a machine that works like a fish to turn potentially destructive vibrations in fluid flows into clean, renewable power. Mon, 24 Nov 2008 14:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081121125604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081113111343.htm Engineers in Spain have developed an algorithm that can optimize hybrid electricity generation systems through combined use of renewable energies, such as photovoltaic and wind power, and non-renewables, such as diesel. Their study envisions storing the energy in batteries or hydrogen tanks. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081113111343.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001093500.htm Wind farms pose less of a threat to farmland birds than previously feared, new research has found. The study helps resolve a potentially major environmental conflict: how to meet renewable energy targets at the same time as reversing dramatic declines in biodiversity on European farmland. Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081001093500.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080916143910.htm Engineers and scientists have achieved a breakthrough in the use of a one-atom thick structure called "graphene" as a new carbon-based material for storing electrical charge in ultracapacitor devices, perhaps paving the way for the massive installation of renewable energies such as wind and solar power. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080916143910.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080902102534.htm A young researcher has put forward two protection techniques so that wind generators continue to be operative despite breaks in electricity supply. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080902102534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827104702.htm The solely wind-driven Ventomobile constructed by a team of students in aerospace engineering came in first at the Aeolus Race in the Dutch town of Den Helder last Friday. Racing the extremely stylish and lightweight three-wheeler, the vehicles of five European universities and research centres had difficulties to catch up. Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080827104702.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825132107.htm Power-generating wind turbines have long been recognized as a potentially life-threatening hazard for birds. But at most wind facilities, bats actually die in much greater numbers. Now, researchers think they know why. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825132107.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825103529.htm This week, inaugural tests at The University of Western Ontario's 'Three Little Pigs' project at the Insurance Research Lab for Better Homes will get underway. This facility is the first of its kind in the world to subject full-scale houses to pressures that simulate the effects of winds as strong as a category 5 hurricane -- or 200 mph -- all within a controlled environment. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080825103529.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820081159.htm Engineers using the University of Southampton's R J Mitchell wind tunnel have helped the British Cycling team win Gold in Beijing. Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080820081159.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080817231406.htm Swimmers from around the world are setting world and Olympic records in Beijing this month and most are doing it wearing a swimsuit made of fabric tested at NASA. Among the Olympic gold medalists wearing Speedo's LZR Racer are Americans Michael Phelps -- who has now won more Olympic gold medals than any athlete in the modern era -- and Natalie Coughlin. Both had a hand in developing the skintight body suit. Mon, 18 Aug 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080817231406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080811095500.htm If wind turbines clatter and whistle too loudly, they are only permitted to operate under partial load to protect the local residents -- but this also means a lower electricity output. An active damping system cancels out the noise by producing counter-vibrations. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080811095500.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804123039.htm Students have constructed a vehicle that is solely powered by wind energy, the Ventomobile. It took them many months of intense construction work to reach this goal. First wind tunnel testing produced very promising results. The extremely stylish three-wheeler features a two-bladed rotor on top, with a diameter of two meters. The efficiency of this setup proved to be extremely good. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080804123039.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715165441.htm Rock Port Missouri, with a population of just over 1,300 residents, has announced that it is the first 100% wind powered community in the United States. Four wind turbines supply all the electricity for the small town. Rock Port's 100% wind power status is due to four wind turbines located on agricultural lands within the city limits of Rock Port (Atchison County). The city of Rock Port uses approximately 13 million kilowatt hours of electricity each year. It is predicted that these four turbines will produce 16 million kilowatt hours each year. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715165441.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080709110842.htm More than ever before, building design and construction can be significantly improved to reduce wind pressures on building surfaces and to help better resist high winds and hurricanes in residential or commercial construction, said one architecture professor. Sun, 13 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080709110842.htm