Any way to know how long WYO oil boom will last?

[sixofone]

Originally Posted by BennyPhoenix

I dont know why the industry is so caught up in using the current blade designs. There are other ways to get a turbine turning using wind that are a lot less prone to failure and destruction, they may not be as efficient, but they are certainly better in the high wind environment of wyoming.

Gee, Benny, you haven't even gotten here and you're already thinking like a Wyomingite. However, logic only applies when you're trying to run a business for a profit. When all you're after is the Government subsidy, it doesn't matter whether or not you're efficient. Just slap those suckers up there and cash those checks!!!

[BennyPhoenix]

Originally Posted by sixofone

Gee, Benny, you haven't even gotten here and you're already thinking like a Wyomingite. However, logic only applies when you're trying to run a business for a profit. When all you're after is the Government subsidy, it doesn't matter whether or not you're efficient. Just slap those suckers up there and cash those checks!!!

Thanks for the compliment!

I've worked with engineers in the past. Some of these guys could come up with a solution for any mechanical, electrical, or chemical challenge that you could throw them. If it was possible they would have a solution.

[sixofone]

Actually, I recently saw a prototype wind generator on TV that laid horizontal to the ground and allegedly worked in all wind conditions and was more efficient than the upright turbines. Additionally, FE Warren AFB in Cheyenne has a new type of wind generator that's allegedly 40% more efficient.

Herein lies the problem with the rush to install inefficient, expensive forms of alternative energy--the technology just ain't there yet. Someday there will be cost-effective alternatives to coal and nuclear fission, and when that happens, we won't need Government to force a shift any more than we needed them to outlaw the horse and buggy and mandate automobiles.

What will happen instead is that Uncle Sam will impose punitive taxes on efficient energy producers, and use the money to prop up the inefficient ones (much like they bail out inefficient banks, airlines and auto manufacturers.) Then when the efficient producers go bankrupt, the taxes will stop, along with the subsidies. Of course, when your electric bill triples, that won't be a tax increase.

[sunsprit]

Originally Posted by sixofone

Actually, I recently saw a prototype wind generator on TV that laid horizontal to the ground and allegedly worked in all wind conditions and was more efficient than the upright turbines. Additionally, FE Warren AFB in Cheyenne has a new type of wind generator that's allegedly 40% more efficient.

Really? 40% better than what?

I've seen the two turbines over there as I drive by the base and they're nothing different than the turbines south of Cheyenne, or at Hereford, or by Elk Mountain. What am I missing?

[sixofone]

Originally Posted by sunsprit

Really? 40% better than what?

I've seen the two turbines over there as I drive by the base and they're nothing different than the turbines south of Cheyenne, or at Hereford, or by Elk Mountain. What am I missing?

This was from an article in the base paper a year or more ago. I know there have been wind turbines on the west side of the base for some time, but FEW had installed some additional turbines that supposedly produced 40% more electricity than the older windmills on the base.

I wish I had paid more attention to the design difference. Something sticks in the back of my mind that these were barrel-shaped, rather than the propeller type you usually see, and that they didn't have to shut down in high winds. I freely admit that I could be 100% wrong on the design, but I'm pretty certain on the base's claim of a 40% increase in efficiency.

Sorry for any confusion.

[StealthRabbit]

I think what they currently use are the most efficient for low wind conditions. (some work down to 2-3 mph)
The vertical axis turbines are not as efficient and require higher constant wind speed. (they have drum types and vertical blade types). There are also some horizontal axis much like squirrel cage, that mount in the cupola (ridge) of structures (Barns / loafing sheds). These take quite a breeze to work, but I would think their large mass and limited SF exposure to the wind would make them more suitable in high wind / gusts. Unfortunately you will only make power when the wind blows. I have considered them in my application because I'm in a National Scenic area that does not allow such things as towers, windmills, (satellite dishes) ... In fact we can't even cut down a tree over 6' tall, or 6" in dia...(tho we have plenty 300' tall ). but we do get plenty of High winds, tho not year round. I will probably not pursue this, as I hope to move to WY when the boom busts, as my $33/day in property taxes (in WA) is tough to cough up with zero income. + NO income tax in WA does lose it's luster when you have no income.

How will WY state Gov fare when the energy $ dry up?. We (WA) are really struggling because so much revenue depends on 'consumerism' (~8% sales tax). + Boeing is not selling a lot of 'dreamliners' ... I hear the grain export revenues are in trouble too (transit / repayment / loan availability). I think our wheat and apple exports are largely to Japan, who may be the most likely country to survive this current episode. (Having been in the dumps for 20 yrs..., they are all 'practiced up')