Wind turbines inspired by nature

If we could adapt the same intelligence to a wind turbine, that is, manage to keep the blades still while harvesting the power of the turbulent wind, we could reduce the load on the turbine structure. This is the technical goal which will enable the project result, namely to demonstrate an advance technology which improves the turbine economy and reduces the cost of energy for the consumer. Intelligence: Three things are needed to succeed: We must be able to detect the wind in details, choose an intelligent course, and rapidly adapt the blades. Adapting the blade can be done by means of a flap on the trailing edge of the blade. Such a flap can be compared to the large feathers on the bird's wing, or to the aileron-flap on an ariplane wing. The flap gives the ability to steer through air, thus making the wing respond to the turbulence. By adding sensors that detact the wind, a computer may determine the optimal position of the flaps. All we have to do is to find the intelligent response to the turbulent wind on a hot summer day. The most important achievement in the project is a practical demonstration of the intelligent wind turbine blade. Impact of Danish Research: Reducing the load on the blades and consequently on the turbine, will result in lighter constructions, which can now adapt to the environment. A lighter construction uses less material and is thus cheaper to manufacture, cheaper to transport etc. The adaptability of the turbine to react upon complex wind environment, for example in large wind turbine parks or in mountains beyond the borders of Denmark, will open new possibilities and expand the potential of wind energy world wide