Dynamically Adjustable Wind Turbine Blades
Technology Description:
Kohana Technologies is developing wind turbines with a control system that delivers compressed air from special slots located in the surface of its blades. The compressed air dynamically adjusts the aerodynamic performance of the blades, and can essentially be used to control lift, drag, and ultimately power. This control system has been shown to exhibit high levels of control in combination with an exceptionally fast response rate. The deployment of such a control system in modern wind turbines would lead to better management of the load on the system during peak usage, allowing larger blades to be deployed with a resulting increase in energy production.
Potential Impact:
If successful, Kohana’s project would increase the power generation capacity of wind turbines, reducing the cost of energy and enabling widespread adoption of wind power.
Security:
Advances in wind power would diversify electricity generation, alleviating reliability and security concerns associated with the electric grid.
Environment:
Electricity generation accounts for over 40% of U.S. carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Enabling large-scale contributions of wind and solar power for our electricity generation would result in a substantial decrease in CO2 emissions.
Economy:
Kohana’s advanced turbine blades would make wind power a more cost-effective alternative for consumers and businesses.
Contact
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Sonja Glavaski
Project Contact:
Paul Lees
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
paul@kohanatech.com
Partners
Vestas
Related Projects
Release Date:
10/26/2009