Solar Aero Research's new type of boundary-layer, bladeless wind turbine has been granted U.S. Patent No. 7,695,242. The turbine is an improvement on a 1913 Tesla patent, specially modified for use in wind generation applications, says inventor Howard J. Fuller Jr. of the Greenville, N.H.-based not-for-profit scientific research organization.
Solar Aero Research's completely enclosed model avoids many of the drawbacks of bladed turbines such as noise, radar interference, visual pollution and wildlife injuries – while retaining relatively high efficiency ratings, according to Solar Aero Research.
With one rotating component (a turbine/driveshaft/alternator assembly) and no heavily loaded bearings, the turbine is expected to deliver power at a cost comparable to present coal-fired power plants.
In addition, all generation equipment can be located at ground level, while the turbine itself can be supported on magnetic bearings, thus eliminating the need for up-tower routine maintenance, says Fuller.
The bladeless turbine is being evaluated by a potential licensee, and while a full-scale prototype is under construction.
SOURCE: Solar Aero Research Â
