Loading ...Opinions are flying from all sides concerning renewable energy. Colorado-based Pike Research projected that ocean energy could reach 200GW of renewable capacity by 2025. Scientists at Stockholm University say offshore wind turbines are helping the environment both above and below the waves. But the Royal Academy of Engineering think roof-mounted wind turbines and solar panels are nothing more than “eco-bling.”
Despite the disparity, developments continued as FloDesign Wind revamped itself by raising a second round of venture capital and hiring a new CEO in efforts to shift from research and development to manufacturing. An Antarctic station now boasts the world’s most southerly wind farm. California-based PAX Streamline and Georgia Institute of Technology received a $3 million grant to study and adapt aviation technology to improve wind turbine output.
In aerospace this week, Boeing began implementing design changes on the new 787 Dreamliner in order to scale back and reach its promised weight. A former Boeing executive, John Johnson, has been appointed the new CFO of Quickstep Holdings, an Australian advanced materials company. Engineers at NASA unveiled the concept of the Puffin, a vehicle that takes off like a helicopter but flies like a plane and runs on batteries, at the American Helicopter Society meeting. Hexcel was not flying high this week as shares dropped after an analyst said demand for alternative energy and aerospace sectors would slow in 2010.
An all-composite military vehicle manufactured by TPI Composites completed durability and road testing successfully, making it the first completely-composite model to accomplish such a feat. Vixen Composites, which produces composite structural and exterior panels for the recreational vehicle and commercial trailer industries, will locate its manufacturing plant in Elkhart, Ind. Also in the Midwest, The University of Missouri’s Hydrogen Car team has begun construction of its Tigergen II vehicle. The model, which features a carbon fiber unibody, will be entered in Shell’s Eco-Marathon challenge in March.
Composites played an integral role in two bridge projects this week. Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada, located near Niagara Falls, installed its first fiberglass bridge. The $275,000 bridge replaces a concrete model built in 1948. Also, New York and Vermont have agreed on a Modified Tied Arch Bridge design, which incorporates composite decks, for its new Lake Champlain bridge, set to open in 2011.
Following a similar move by Bentley, Aston Martin has diversified its product line by releasing the DBS Prague, a set of handmade composites skis. Meanwhile, Ibis Cycles added the Mojo HD cycle to its production line. The new model incorporates a heavier-duty carbon fiber chassis to lend the frame more stiffness and strength than the standard model.
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