MagLev Wind Turbines

The concept of the magnetic levitation based wind turbine is a simple one. Vertical vanes rotate in a plane parallel to the ground surface and use electromagnetic repulsion to isolate the vanes from the hub instead of ball bearings, as well as utilizing electromagnetic coupling to generate electricity when the vanes spun by the wind. Benefits include 500 year operational lifespan, reduced surface area requirements, they can make use of much lower *and* much higher average wind speeds for power generation, and significantly reduced maintenance costs and operating overhead.

Of course, I am always skeptical of technologies like this until one is actually constructed. But even if only one or two of the claims of competitive advantage are borne out, this concept could still contribute much to the hunt for worthy renewable energy sources.

New Ultraclean Combustion Technology, the Low Swirl Injector

Large electrical generation plants are historically known for non-minimal emission of combustion byproducts. The Low-Swirl Injector (LSI) technology has been shown to significantly reduce nitrogen oxide and carbon oxide emissions during combustion of hydrogen, natural gas, and other feedstocks. Further research is ongoing.

Any efficiency enhancements to traditional power generation methods should be embraced even as we continue to explore alternative generation strategies via renewable resources. The great thing about technologies like this is that they are equally applicable to very conservative and very progressive power technologies.