Wind turbines are one of my favorite systems, as they incorporate not only mechanical engineering in their support structure and drive systems, but aerodynamics as well in the design of their rotating blades. One of the limiting factors in the use of wind power is storing the energy during peak times and making it available during times when there is no wind. Batteries are one option, however Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy will be testing
a new design in Hamburg, Germany that is really innovative. Energy from a wind turbine will be used to heat a 1,000 tons of rock to 600 ºC. When needed, the heat from the rocks will power a standard steam power plant to produce electricity. There is something about that concept that excites the imagination, at least mine.
"Combined cycles" is one of the major topics we cover in our Thermal/Fluids PE Review course. Maybe it is time to incorporate a wind turbine system like the one Siemens is building as part of the Review. - Dr. Tom
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