Aside from a name that sounds like it belongs in an action movie, this is really a good idea. The premise is simple, measure the attributes of the wind and adjust the position of the wind turbines to match. This would create an optimal performance for the given wind condition.

This seems like something that would happen naturally, but wind turbines currently do not understand the type of wind hitting them, turbulent or vortex winds are most difficult for horizontal propeller type turbines to deal with. This added brain would help them optimize their efficiency for the type, not just direction of the wind.

If you remember blowing on a pinwheel or have a toy with a small propeller you can play with, you will find that you make it spin a lot faster when you blow slightly across it instead of directly at it. This device will help take advantage of that kind of knowledge.

From the article:

The Vindicator(r) fiber optic laser wind sensing system is capable of measuring real-time horizontal and vertical wind speed and direction data at varying ranges ahead of the sensor location. The sensor design is based on state-of-the-art fiber optic laser technology developed and patented at Optical Air Data Systems LLC.

To read more, follow the related link.

A Colorado developer, Alpine Energy Group, plans to spend $440 million to build 49 MW of waste-to-energy capacity on St. Croix and St. Thomas that could eventually lead to the closure of landfills.

Alpine plans to begin construction in May 2010 in St. Thomas and St. Croix, with expected completion in the fourth quarter of 2012. The 33-megawatt plant in Long Point, St. Thomas, is expected to serve residents of that island as well as St. John. St. Croix is expected to have a dedicated 16-MW plant in the Anguilla area near the Krause Lagoon.

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As many people in my life wear glasses and a lot of my research is on technology related sources, this popped up. Take a peek at these very high tech focus adjustable prescription glasses.

Sony has some new technology in the battery category that looks like it will be making its way into our hands soon. Due to its use of an olivine-type lithium iron phosphate for the cathode material, the battery's overall lifespan is about four times that of conventional lithium ion batteries, not to mention provide an 80% capacity retention after 2,000 charge-discharge cycles and perhaps most impressively, a promised 99% recharge in just 30 minutes.

This is a real improvement in battery technology. This type of fast recharge and power retention helps with renewable energy systems that rely on sources that vary day to day like wind. Wind power is the most environmentally friendly and gives the largest yield over the entire lifespan of the equipment compared to other renewable sources. However, not having a good way to store the energy is a road block for many small scale situations, preventing them from using wind as a power source.

For more details from Sony, follow the related link below.

How in the heck is this figure calculated. MPG used to be simple, our vehicles used 1 type of fuel and you simply averaged the range you could go on a given amount. Now, in the case of a hybrid, we have two types of fuel and one of them is often used to replenish the other!

The article at CNN explains the process pretty well:

"...let's say the car is driven 50 miles in a day. For the first 40 miles, no gas is used and during the last 10 miles, 0.2 gallons are used. That's the equivalent of 250 miles per gallon. But, if the driver continues on to 80 miles, total fuel economy would drop to about 100 mpg. And if the driver goes 300 miles, the fuel economy would be just 62.5 mpg."

It is probably reasonable to assume most people do not drive much more than 40 miles in a day, this is how the 230 MPG is calculated. However, I think it would be easy enough to have a hybrid specific rating system, electric range 40 miles and 50 MPG thereafter could be simply -

40ER + 50MPG

This simple 2 part rating would help consumers understand what they are actually getting and how it will fit into their driving needs.

If you like this idea, spread it around. Just remember who suggested it first. : )

see the related link for more information.