A Wind Turbine Acting Like a Palm Tree Delivers Five Times the Electricity

John Kosowatz reports on a breakthrough in the wind turbine technology, advanced through the application of biomimicry. Eric Loth, the chair of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of Virginia, has developed a design for a wind turbine inspired by the palm tree. The segmented rotors designed by Loth and his team solve the problem of the massive turbines that would be required to achieve higher levels of energy output than is currently possible with the traditional, three-rotor design of turbines.

The results are potentially game changing—enabling the construction of 50-megawatt turbines. The most advanced turbines are only currently only producing eight to ten megawatts of electricity.

According to Kosowatz, the "design centers on a downwind machine fitted with ultralightweight segmented rotors. During operation and in good weather, they would spread out to catch the wind. During heavy storms or other bad weather, they would fold together like palm fronds and avoid damage."

The design team behind the idea "includes experts in wind turbine design and controls from U.S. universities, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, CO, Sandia National Laboratory in Albuqurque," adds Kosowatz.

That multi-disciplinary, public-private partnership is another part of the story that inspired follow-up coverage by Tina Casey for Triple Pundit. Not only does the project represent biomimicry on a massive scale, says Casey, it also shows how "powerful, diversified global corporations are embracing renewable energy," potentially undermining the interests of fossil fuel interests.