JAPAN’S WINDLENS

…Japan Designs New Wind Turbine with Triplet the Output of Traditional Models
5 December 2011 (Energy Digital)

"…[I]n the same month as one of the world's worst nuclear crises devastated Fukushima, an incredibly innovative wind turbine system [began field testing in Japan]. With a promise to generate two to three times the power of traditional models, the new turbine designs exemplify the potential for a cleaner [non-nuclear] energy future…[The new turbine design] could make the cost of wind power less than coal and nuclear energy.

"The two major concerning issues with traditional turbines have been their general inefficiency and intolerable noise…[A]ttaching an inward curving ring around the perimeter of a turbine's blades increases the focus of airflow…through the blade zones at two to three times the speed…[It also mproves safety and reduces noise]…"

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"…[A] hexagonal-shaped [floating] base for the turbines…would be low in cost, but still strong enough to endure marine conditions…[B]ases would…make it easier to link other turbines at sea together and enlarge platforms…

"Although the 'wind lens' appears simple, it consists of complex technological planning and extensive field testing…As of March…two units of turbines with a capacity of 70 to 100 KW (blade diameter of 12.8) have been installed…[S]maller units with a capacity of 3 to 5 KW (blade diameter of 2.5 meters) have been picked up by some industrial users and installed in many locations…The floating Windlens systems have been tested in a water tank at an in-house laboratory at the University, but actual field test installations for the first marine turbines are almost ready…"