Category: Wind Energy

I don’t have a problem with comments on the site that challenge my own bullish viewpoint on renewable energy; in most cases, they provide an interesting counterpoint from which everyone wins as a result.  I DO have a problem with …

Despite Nay-sayers’ Claims, Renewable Energy Is a Huge Industry Read More »

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I often come across claims that wind shrouds serve to concentrate the wind’s power; I’ve seen dozens of variations on this theme over the years.  The bitter truth is that this doesn’t work, for reasons explained in the article linked …

How Can I Increase Wind Speed and Thus Maximize the Power Output of My Turbine?  You Can’t Read More »

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A reader submits an idea for a wind turbine in which birds and bats are protected by forcing the wind to blow through a screen.  I respond: The power output of a wind turbine is proportional to the cube of …

Wind Turbines Are a Danger to Birds and Bats Read More »

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The good people at the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) sent me an email just now with the subject line: “Changes is in the wind,” promoting the fall symposium. I wrote back: Sounds like a great event.  Not to pick …

Renewable Energy Is Important; The Grammar Used To Describe It Perhaps Less So Read More »

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A friend writes:  Just came across this in a shared LinkedIn post … re: a wind turbine with blades shaped like a Nautilus shell. Yet another wind turbine idea … is it a good one?  No, but I love stuff like …

New Ideas in Wind Turbines Read More »

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The other day I had a cup of coffee with a venture capitalist who echoed something we’ve all heard repeatedly through the years: the most important ingredient in the success of a start-up is market timing.  Yes, good ideas, seasoned …

Wind Energy ca. 1983 Read More »

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Certain technologies become unfeasible below a certain scale. Concentrated solar power is one. Yes, you can take a solar cooker on a backpacking trip, but you certainly can’t set up a CSP plant on the roof of your house that …

Opportunities in Small Wind? Read More »

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I expect to make this the last public remark I’ll ever be forced to make about Donald Trump—and I mention it only because of its relevance to the world of renewable energy: Trump has lost his court battle in Scotland, …

Victory for the Wind Energy Industry in Scotland, and What I Hope To Be My Last Comment on Donald Trump Read More »

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I keep meaning to take an extra day during one of my excursions to the East Coast and hang out with Brian McGowan, hands-on renewable energy guy extraordinaire, who lives near Philadelphia.  Pictured left is a wall of his garage; …

Brian McGowan, the Ultimate Renewable Energy DIY Guy Read More »

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A friend writes: Happy 4th of July!   I was at a coffee shop yesterday, and they had all these European magazines. I came across an article: THIS ‘TREE’ GENERATES ENOUGH ELECTRICITY TO HEAT YOUR APARTMENT.  I thought you’d enjoy …

From Digital Trends: NewWind’s Arbre à Vent Is a Wind Turbine Designed for Cities Read More »

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