Shape-Shifting Wind Turbine Blades Increase Clean Energy Production
Photo: Purdue
Smart Wind Turbines are the Future
Wind turbines need to be ‘tuned’ for a certain type of wind, and it is within that sweet spot that they are most efficient. But what happens when wind is blowing faster? Or slower? Sadly, below and above the ideal wind speed, wind turbines are not as effective at extracting clean power from the air. One solution, which is what researchers at Purdue are working on, is to have a turbine with ’smart’ blades that can shape-shift depending on wind conditions. Read on for more details….