Up-and-Coming Turbines

摘要

The biggest problem with wind turbines is that there aren't enough of them. That and "They're not perfect—yet," says Angelika Pullen, communications director of the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). GWEC explains that breakthroughs in efficiency, quality, reliability and cost are important to achieving the perfect turbines. "We're watching developments in the use of different materials, including carbon fiber in blades, materials other than steel for towers, strengthened nacelle covers and lighting protection; all of which are designed to provide an advantage in certain situations," she says. "These are where the advances and tradeoffs are being made at the moment, and they will be tested in the field and in the marketplace."