Wind-Energy - A Revitalized Pursuit [3] was issued by Sandia Laboratories in 1974. This report discusses challenges of the “energy crunch” and the U.S. goal to maintain high standards of living by developing “promising energy sources that are (1) vast, (2) environmentally acceptable, and (3) economically competitive.” The authors felt that wind energy was a feasible solution.
Devising ways to efficiently harness the wind is an ongoing pursuit of scientists around the world. The wind mills of the past have evolved into high-tech wind turbines, governed by complex computer systems. These control systems continue to be more and more important as turbines become larger, with more flexible and lighter components. Advanced controls are necessary to prevent damage and possible malfunction of the turbines. Facilities for testing new control systems at the National Wind Technology Center are described in the fact sheet Advanced Wind Turbine Controls Reduce Loads [4].
Read more about wind energy in the DOE Science Showcase: Wind Power [5] and watch Energy 101: Wind Turbines [6] (YouTube) to learn about the fundamentals and future of wind energy.
Daphne Evans, OSTI Staff