largest offshore wind farm

The largest offshore wind farm in the world start to operate in southeast coast of UK on 23rd September 2010. This wind farm consists of 100 units of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine which can generate 300MW of energy at full capacity, they can power up 200,000 houses.

With opening of this Thanet wind farm, Britain now has the capcity to produce 5GW of wind powered energy.

Another big step to green the earth.....

Power Generating Floor (Piezoelectric)

A new method of generating power, no need fossil fuel, coal, sunlight, wind water; what they need is only the people to step on them. In year 2006, a test is carried out at two of the Japan train station, Tokyo station and Shibuya station.

Initial test can only produce 0.1W per second when the tile is step by a person of about 60kg of weight, and the generation is improved to 1W per second one year later.

Piezoelectric basically can describe as an applied mechanical stress to generate a voltage and an applied voltage will change the shape of the solid by a small amount (up to 4% change in volume). In physics, the Piezoelectric effect can be described as the link between electrostatics and mechanics. A very common daily life application of Piezoelectric concept is our car's air bag sensor. The material detects the intensity of the shock during accident, then sends an electrical signal which will triggers the airbag.

Only non conductive material can be used for Piezoelectric effect, Piezoelectric materials can be divided in 2 groups; crystals and Ceramics. The most well-known piezoelectric material is Quartz(SiO2).

This method should be another good option of renewable energy!!

Global Warming Issue

Another article from The Star Paper saying that even in current situation, the atmosphere CO2 is 392ppm, however, the ideal earth acceptable level is only 350ppm, what are we still waiting, is the time for us to do something to save our earth before everything is too late.

recycle of fibreglass

Do anyone know how to recycle the fibreglass?

Wind Turbine Efficiency

A useful wind turbine efficiency versus TSR curve. Seems like the propeller (or HAWT) having the highest efficiency. Then why people still looking for other Darrieus or Savonius VAWT? I don't think the price is cheaper. Most probably is the VAWT can capture wind from lower wind speed, therefore higher power generation for VAWT in low wind country.

Awareness of renewable energy

Nowadays, everyone is talking about renewable energy, green energy, climate changes issues. Everyone hope to create as much awareness as possible to the public, exhibition is organizing everywhere to create awareness to public, I wonder whether this is the only one method most effective to create awareness? I doubt about this.

F.R.P

Fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) (also fibre-reinforced polymer) are composite materials made of a polymer matrix reinforced with fibres. The fibres are usually fibreglass, carbon, or aramid, while the polymer is usually an epoxy, vinylester or polyester thermosetting plastic. FRPs are commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, marine, and construction industries.

This is a very light weight material which is widely use nowadays. However, the problem is how are we going to keep all this material after they are not use since they can't be biodegradable naturally; This is another hectic for our environment.

Tip Speed Ratio of Wind Turbine

Below explanation is got from a forum:

The Tip Speed Ratio is a function of the airfoil used on the rotor blades. It can't be "improved", as such. High TSR rotors typically spin at high speed and have no torque to speak of. Low TSR rotors don't spin as fast and have more torque. Low TSR rotors are better for low winds, high TSR rotors perform best in high winds. The generator can be designed for either type.Vertical axis turbines usually run at very low TSR (2 or less), the typical range for horizontal axis machines is 4-8.

http://www.thebackshed.com/windmill/articles/DonBrown1.asp

Useful Link for Wind Power

Just went through two website talking about wind power, seems like very interesting for wind power fans.

http://www.integener.com

http://www.fieldlines.com

enjoy!!

Biggest Vertical Axis Wind Turbine in the world

Vertical-axis wind turbine in Cap-Chat, Quebec

PV farm

What is the biggest PV farm installed in Malaysia? And how much is the total PV capacity installed in Malaysia? And one more question is how are they going to manage the PV panel after 20 or 30 years, because the PV panel cells is not going to biodegradation by themself.

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

wind energy on motorcycle

why no body embark on using wind turbine on the electrical motorcycle? very expensive? not viable? anyone interested to do R&D?