SON OF HARRY HOPE
2006-09-21 17:29:41 UTC
Floating wind turbines are suggested
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say it might be possible to
build 400 huge far-offshore wind turbines to power several hundred
thousand onshore homes.
The scientists say that would be possible by using platforms to float
the turbines 100 miles out to sea, where winds are strong and steady,
yet the turbines could not been seen from shore.
Today's offshore wind turbines usually stand on towers driven deep
into the ocean floor. But that works only in water depths of about 50
feet or less. Proposed installations are therefore typically close
enough to shore to arouse strong public opposition. The idea of
placing windmills on floaters and moving them far offshore came from
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Professor Paul Sclavounos. He
estimates building and installing his floating support system should
cost one-third as much as the type of truss towers now planned for
deep-water installations.
Another advantage would be the ability to move the wind turbines, he
said, noting that if a company serving the Boston area needed more
power for New York, it could unhook some of the floating turbines and
tow them south.
The research is supported by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
==================
"Advertising nourishes the consuming power of men. It sets up before a
man the goal of a better home, better clothing, better food for
himself and his family. It spurs individual exertion and greater
production."
---Winston Churchill (1874-1965) British Statesman, Soldier, and
Author
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (UPI) -- U.S. scientists say it might be possible to
build 400 huge far-offshore wind turbines to power several hundred
thousand onshore homes.
The scientists say that would be possible by using platforms to float
the turbines 100 miles out to sea, where winds are strong and steady,
yet the turbines could not been seen from shore.
Today's offshore wind turbines usually stand on towers driven deep
into the ocean floor. But that works only in water depths of about 50
feet or less. Proposed installations are therefore typically close
enough to shore to arouse strong public opposition. The idea of
placing windmills on floaters and moving them far offshore came from
Massachusetts Institute of Technology Professor Paul Sclavounos. He
estimates building and installing his floating support system should
cost one-third as much as the type of truss towers now planned for
deep-water installations.
Another advantage would be the ability to move the wind turbines, he
said, noting that if a company serving the Boston area needed more
power for New York, it could unhook some of the floating turbines and
tow them south.
The research is supported by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
==================
"Advertising nourishes the consuming power of men. It sets up before a
man the goal of a better home, better clothing, better food for
himself and his family. It spurs individual exertion and greater
production."
---Winston Churchill (1874-1965) British Statesman, Soldier, and
Author