In the latest instalment of the Green Series, we're turning our attentions to wind turbines. Wind turbines can be placed either onshore or offshore, with electricity from all wind farms being a key source of renewable energy in the UK. In 2017, onshore and offshore wind farms produced 14.8% of all electricity consumed by UK homes and businesses.
Whilst the UK had the largest offshore wind market in 2018, the onshore wind industry has been facing greater barriers in recent years. Whilst a 2018 opinion poll by YouGov showed 66% of respondents backing a Government policy to build onshore wind farms where there is local backing, government policy in England requires any building proposal for an onshore wind farm is rejected if there is any local opposition, no matter how small. Local opponents of onshore wind farms often cites wind turbines being "an eyesore" as a key concern.
In this article, we are going to look at new wind turbine designs that have done away with the old look for a more appealing appearance.
1. "Big Fish Eating Small
Fish"
CN201661429 presents a wind turbine designed to look like a big
fish eating a smaller fish. The flat-rotating wind wheel in the
centre of the big fish is connected to the generator, which
generates electricity when rotated by the wind. The mouth of the
big fish and the tail of the small fish can be used to adjust the
volume and velocity of the air passing through the turbine.
2. Turbine Tower
CN101749179 details a vertical axis wind power generator contained
within a tower structure. The tower serves to support the wind
power generator, and has moveable deflector parts inside which can
be used to control the speed and direction of the wind to increase
the efficiency of the generator.
3. Spiral Blades
CN203978714 describes a wind turbine with a central axis around
which multiple spiral blades are fixed. The blades are also
connected to a vertical axis power generator, which generates power
as the blades spin. The device is designed to generate electricity
from eddy currents, and in particular those generated by cars on
motorways.
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