Alternative Energy Forums

Im a Student and im researching wind turbines in the urban environment.

As wind currents in built up areas is very unpredictable this has been some challenge.

One thing i have noticed is that no one mentions anything about putting turbines in funneled tunnels (to try and concentrate the wind on a certain point) is this because it isn't efficient?

Anyone have any views on this?

take few moments and check out My FAWT silo. just search it in google and tell me what you think.

regards

sam
http://www.wrapwind.com

Hey,

I personally think that wind turbines are not the answer to our problems. I think we need to look more at a good solid sustainable energy solution. I mean the power they generate is relatively low, the same goes for solar panels it will be interesting to see some other alternatives out there. Also what about the aspect of it being an eye sore in an urban environment. These are all points that can be argued.

Hope my post helps

I think wind turbines and solar panels have a bright future! In the past years, the cost of those components have fell down.

To give you an idea, about 3 years ago, a solar panel was sold 6$ to 9$ per watts. Now the prices have fell down alot to about 2.50$ to 4$ per watts. It is more than half of the price they were only 3 years ago! And I can't wait to see the new technologies that will be probably more cheaper and efficient.

As for the urban installations, I do think you can easily install solar panels on every roof. For wind turbines, it is a lot harder. Some cities don't even want them. But for those who accept them, I suggest you use vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT), since they work well in variant and gust winds, and they are a lot more silent and # discreet.

Kindly.