Laser Sensors Increase the Efficiency of Wind Turbines

A new laser fiber can reduce wear and increase the efficiency of wind turbines using a sensor that can detect the wind to a kilometer away. The product is called Catch The Wind, and is a device that allows the turbine to adjust the strength and direction of the wind before it reaches the turbine.

Wind turbines lose efficiency of one percent for every degree that the blades are not in the right direction. Having a sensor that detects wind speed and direction can help to protect the blades and increase efficiency. The company that makes the sensor claims that the efficiency can be increased by 10% and maintenance costs can be reduced by 10% when using this sensor.

The laser, which will enter production in 2010, works by sending 3 rays in front of the turbine to measure both horizontal and vertical speeds and changing direction. The turbine takes 20 seconds to record the information and get around, plenty of time for wind a thousand meters away.

The greatest disadvantage of wind energy is inconsistency, unlike solar power. This device allows maximizing the amount of energy produces when there is wind.