Space frame promises 100m blades, lower wind-power costs

摘要

Researchers have announced a project they say could fundamentally change the design and installation of wind blades, bring the cost of wind energy in-line with fossil fuels and allow for more developments in moderate wind-speed markets. The project hinges on a design that wraps tensioned architectural fabric around a metal space frame, much like early aircraft wings. It's estimated that to achieve the national goal of 20% wind power in the U.S., wind blades must be 50% longer, a figure that would be almost impossible to reach given constraints imposed by current manufacturing methods. The proposed design would simplify production of blades exceeding 120-m, and because they could be assembled on site, they can reduce exorbitant transportation costs.