WIND ENERGY SENSOR TECHNOLOGY:DANISH RESEARCHERS have developed smart wind turbines that predict where air currents are coming from so they can turn to face them.

Light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors, according to the researchers, could increase energy yields by 5 per cent by enabling wind turbines to use longer blades.

The wind-speed measurement system is built into the turbine and it detects where gusts of wind are coming from before they arrive. The turbine then adjusts its position and adjusts its blades to pick up air currents more effectively.

By predicting the strength of air flows, there is also less risk of longer blades being damaged by gusts of wind. Using longer blades for one of every 10 wind turbines erected could cut global carbon emissions by 25,000 tonnes over the next 15 years, the researchers said.