Engineers with a bright idea can cash in on the new wind energy bill

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

More info:

http://tonko.house.gov/2009/09/us-house-passes-congressman-tonkos-wind-energy-bill.shtml