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http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/07/china_unveils_w.php
Chinese scientists have developed a wind turbine that has no friction. They accomplished this by using magnets to levitate the rotating pieces of the turbine. According to the chief scientist behind the technology, the generator can dramatically lowers operational expenses of wind farms -- by as much as 50 per cent. This, he claims, would drive the cost of wind power to below 5 cents (U.S.) per kilowatt-hour. It can function with wind speeds as low as 1.5 meters per second. the technology is expected to create new opportunities in low-wind-speed areas worldwide such as mountain regions, islands, observatories, and television transfer stations.
I don't think that is is truly fiction free. Things will always have some type of friction because something will rub together. If it makes it cheaper to get electricity then it is a good idea.
ReplyDeleteThis advancement will make the production of wind power cheaper and easier. Wind farms will be located in places they never could before. Additional advancements in the production of renewable energy need to be reached to make them cheaper for consumers. Like Mackenzie said, anything that makes electricity more affordable is a good idea.
ReplyDeleteWow! This is great, those Chinese scientists are always up to something revolutionary... However, if prices of energy will drop I'm sure we're all for it.
ReplyDeleteAnything that lowers prices is a great idea, especially with our economy today. It sounds like the Chinese are onto something here. With the low-wind-speed turbine, it can be put into more areas across the world, creating more electricity.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea. Wind power in general is already good, but the fact that the Chinese have developed a friction free wind turbine that can generate more electricity for less is revolutionary. If its cheaper, it can help everyone out.
ReplyDeleteThey should continue to use this technology and try to make it so the magnets help to spin the wind turbine, not only removing the friction, but making the wind turbine move sort of like a perpetual motion system.
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