Wobbling blades cause a breakthrough in wind energy

Experts involved in a test on a wind turbine in Zeewolde predict a breakthrough in the world of wind energy.

The existing blades of that mill are replaced by blades with movable flaps. The expectation is that the turbine will yield ten to twenty percent more as a result, because energy is also generated at lower wind speeds. At the moment, wind turbines often stand still when there is little wind.

The idea stems from a study of the albatross. This bird has a special way of landing, where the large wings are only partially used, by wiggling them back and forth. This increases the lift under the wings.

Professor Eize Stamhuis of the University of Groningen became fascinated by the mechanism. He investigated the function and discovered that it can also be applied to wind turbines. Read more