Fabric Wind Turbine Blades Could Encourage Wind Energy

Dec-01-12 GE is developing wind turbine blades made of fabric, which would allow wind energy to compete with fossil fuels by cutting manufacturing costs by up to 40 percent.

The blades are made of a metal frame resembling a fishbone that has been wrapped in architectural fabric lighter than fiberglass. The lightweight material will allow longer blades to be produced, which in turn will capture more of the wind’s energy, and the larger blades can also capture the energy of moderate winds, opening the door to wind energy options in areas that traditionally have not been tapped. The blades can also be assembled on site, reducing manufacturing and transportation costs.

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[TREEHUGGER.COM]
[GE]

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