MIT's new "invisible" wind turbines float offshore

Thanks to MIT's Paul D. Sclavounos, we might get a reprieve from the eyesore problem of windmills, while still sticking with their clean-and-cheap energy benefits. Unfortunately, hapless birds aren't going to get much of a respite. The plan is to plant these things offshore, far enough out into the water for the skinny white turbines to disappear on the horizon, but we're sure a few seagulls will be able to find those "invisible" blades all the same. The turbines can be anchored in water up to 650 deep, and can withstand even hurricane-generated waves. Another benefit of the system is the strong and steady wind out at sea, so the 90-meter turbines should be able to generate twice as much electricity in comparison to their near-shore counterparts. Count us in, we never liked seagulls too much anyways.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 20th 2006 2:50AM]

As I said before, we're not just talking about "a few seagulls". We're talking about massive numbers of migratory birds. For wind power to be useful, it must be placed in areas of high wind - that same wind that carries these birds around the world on their migration paths.

As to whether these towers are visible to birds or not, who knows? Birds travel pretty fucking fast over the ocean, and don't necessarily look where they're going.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 20th 2006 8:54AM]

Just goes to prove...people are idiots. First we jump on the 'dependance on foreign oil' bandwagon, then we bitch about seeing windmills on the horizon.

Who cares if it looks good? That damned electrical sub station at the corner looks like crap, and I don't see any tree huggers protesting that! If it works, and it uses less of our natural resources, then government needs to get off it's ass and mandate that they be used.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 20th 2006 10:25AM]

I think windmills look amazing

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 20th 2006 10:00AM]

Is it just me? or they say that they could "withstand" or endure a hurricane wave...

I would figure that MIT would be smart enough to not only make them "withstand" hurricane waves, but to also have built in DETECTION. 2 birds with one stone in my opinion.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 20th 2006 10:36AM]

My understanding has always been that modern wind turbines are no threat to birds. They're huge and spin fairly slow. We should be using more wind turbines. They are _not_ an eyesore at all.

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/04/common_misconce.php

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 20th 2006 12:54PM]

Seagulls always stay near land, they only go out to sea to die.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 20th 2006 5:02PM]

I would have to agree that windmills are nice looking anyway, but a lot of people are against them for their looks only, which is stupid. Hopefully this or something else will change that.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 21st 2006 1:47PM]

24 - Awesome!!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 23rd 2006 12:46AM]

A legal way to get rid of seagulls!

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 26th 2006 6:56PM]

I agree with xcehch, everytime I see a wind turbine I feel slightly joyous, because it means that slowly but surely we're moving toward alternative energy sources.

They should definitely implement this on a mass scale...sure it's expensive, but with all the constant energy being generated (put em in Florida...BRING ON THE HURRICANES!!!) they'd even the cost in no time! And besides, once they break even in cost, they'd be making almost 100% profit, since wind is free!

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 21st 2006 8:11AM]

do you any idea about cylindrical wind turbine?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 18th 2007 5:08AM]

I think it’s a great idea and the seagulls that get bludgeoned from the blade would have supplied a viable food source for other wildlife around the area. Seagulls are just rats with wings anyway…