Scientists have developed wind turbines – they can work for 30 years without repair

According to Interesting Engineering, researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a revolutionary new rotary electrical contact. The technology, called Twistact, eliminates the expensive and unreliable brush systems used in most modern wind turbines.

Brush systems are a series of wires and brushes that transfer electricity from the rotating part of the turbine to the stationary part. However, they have a number of disadvantages: they are subject to wear, require frequent replacement and maintenance, and produce electrical noise and leakage.

But Twistact works on a different principle: it consists of two concentric cylinders connected by spring contacts. The outer cylinder remains stationary while the inner cylinder rotates with the turbine. Spring-loaded contacts provide a reliable and trouble-free connection between the cylinders without friction and sparking.

This technology of scientists has a number of advantages over brush systems: it increases the efficiency of electricity generation by 2-3%, reduces operating and maintenance costs by 20%, and also increases the reliability and safety of turbines. It also allows the turbine to be used for up to 30 years without maintenance, significantly extending its service life and reducing costs.

Researchers have successfully tested Twistact on a 100kW wind turbine prototype. The results showed that Twistact provided a stable electrical transmission at different rotor speeds and different wind directions. The scientists plan to further develop the technology for use in more powerful turbines, and they believe Twistact could revolutionize the way it generates electricity from wind, making it more affordable, cheaper and more environmentally friendly.

Previously Focus He said a turbine floating at skyscraper height would power 80,000 homes.