These turbines spin on a horizontal axis, and are less efficient than if they were turned and spun on a vertical axis, according to researchers. Photo by Mancio7B9
Researchers from the California Institute of Technology presented a fishy idea to the American Physical Society of Fluid Dynamics in November. They suggested that, by studying the way fish swim in schools, they can set up better wind farms using a different kind of windmill. The windmill would have its turbines spinning on a vertical axis, rather than horizontal, and would be more efficient. This would mean less land would be needed for windfarms because the windmills could be spaced closer together.
But maybe you should listen to Scientific American’s “Sixty Second Science” podcast about it. Just click the little play button below, it only takes a minute.
