Engineers with a bright idea can cash in on the new wind energy bill
Sept. 11, 2009
Legislation funds R & D in areas such as gearboxes, automation, and materials.
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill called the Wind Energy Research and Development Act of 2009 that would authorize a comprehensive program to improve the efficiency, reliability and cost effectiveness of domestic wind energy systems.
The bill spells out a program of research and development to improve the energy efficiency, reliability, and capacity of wind turbines; optimize the design and adaptability of wind energy systems; and reduce the cost of construction, generation, and maintenance of wind energy systems. Specifically, this program would include:
Examination of new materials and designs to make larger, lighter, less expensive, and more reliable motor blades
Technologies to improve gearbox performance and reliability
Automation, materials, and assembly of large-scale components
Low-cost transportable towers greater than 100 meters in height
Advanced computational modeling tools, control systems, blade sensors and advanced generators
Wind technology for offshore applications
Methods to assess and mitigate the effects of wind energy systems on radar and electromagnetic fields
Wind turbines with a maximum electric power production capacity of 100 kilowatts or less
Technologies to improve transmission from remotely located renewable resource rich areas
