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  • A whale of a tale - Humpback flipper may be the key to better wind turbines.

    03/23/2008 1:56:16 PM PDT · by Reaganesque · 28 replies · 1,975+ views
    The Toronto Star ^ | May 14, 2007 | Tyler Hamilton
    A local company has designed a new type of wind-turbine blade that mimics the aerodynamic performance of a humpback whale's flipper, allowing a turbine to capture more of the wind's energy at much lower speeds. The odd-looking blades, which have teeth-like bumps along their leading edge, are a dramatic departure from the smooth and sleek design that graces most wind turbines. But Stephen Dewar, co-founder of Toronto-based WhalePower Corp., says the new approach could have a profound impact on wind-energy economics. It means turbines manufactured with WhalePower blades would be capable of capturing energy where the wind is less strong,...