Mercedes-Benz UK adds wind power for charging Smart EVs
Just in time for the launch of a test fleet of battery-powered Smart ForTwos in the UK, Mercedes-Benz is adding some wind power. The Mercedes facility in Milton-Keynes has added a new wind-turbine that is specially designed for urban applications where space is at a premium. The 20 m tall turbine rotates on a vertical axis and can pick up wind power from any direction. The helically twisted blades are made of carbon fiber for low weight and vibration. The new turbine can generate enough juice to charge the little Smarts for up to 30,000 miles of operation. [Source: CarScoop]
http://green.autoblog.com/2007/11/25/field-testing-of-electric-smart-fortwo-to-start-in-london-mid-de/
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
joseph 8:30AM (3/08/2008)
What we need is a wind powered car (hybrid) that charges the battery while in motion,that's were research should be focused.
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Scatter 8:21PM (12/05/2007)
This is the most beautiful wind turbine design out there. We need more of these...
http://www.quietrevolution.co.uk/
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mike 8:31PM (12/05/2007)
How much does it cost?
Can I install it in my back yard?
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Scatter 8:34PM (12/05/2007)
Don't ask and I reckon so :)
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Scatter 8:47PM (12/05/2007)
But this is how it should be. Has anyone done any calculations of how much it would cost to develop renewable capacity to match the consumption of EVs as they enter the market?
Integrating renewable energy development with the rise of EVs would be a powerful combination. I hope all EV manufacturers go along these lines.
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Phil L. 6:02AM (12/06/2007)
A little ironic that the UK's Building Research Establishment Trust recently determined that micro wind turbines won't offset their own manufacturing and installation. From over on Green Daily:
http://www.greendaily.com/2007/11/30/micro-wind-turbines-all-hot-air/
Of course, this M-B turbine appears to be larger than the home-use-sized turbines noted in the link above.
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Scatter 6:16AM (12/06/2007)
This is a very different kettle of fish - a 6kW vertical axis rather than a 1-1.5kW horizontal axis.
That article's incorrect though. The study didn't find they'll "never produce enough energy to offset the CO2 required to make and install it". It found that was the case for urban areas. The horizontal axis turbines used are not suited to urban environments (but are the most common). BRE press release here:
http://www.bre.co.uk/newsdetails.jsp?id=456
It's not an earth shattering discovery - if you don't live in a windy area, don't buy a wind turbine!
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Phil L. 9:03AM (12/06/2007)
scatter -
I figured factors like this must be at work.
I suspect the study was commissioned because it appears that micro wind turbines are now popular in urban areas with little wind. More a statement for your neighbors than something that makes a real difference.
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Mort 10:42AM (12/06/2007)
Now how hard was that? It's not rocket science. They could put those in between buildings in Chicago and charge the meter maid buggies.
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Bill 1:19PM (12/06/2007)
Produces less power and costs significantly more, as with all vertical-axis turbines (compared to horizontal-axis turbines)
And you'll need a h*ll of a mast to get it high enough to get those 6 kW
(height restrictions are often the limiting factor for any urban wind turbine - £33,000 would buy a nice PV system instead)
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BLEW 6:46PM (1/10/2008)
It's a pity we can't have a few more of these turbines across urban Milton Keynes instead of the scheme to build seven 125m (over 400 feet) tall turbines in the countryside just outside...
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