
CFK faculty advance urban wind energy technology
Two faculty members from The College of the Florida Keys have co-authored research that could transform how cities harness wind energy. Drs. Hussain and Rice were among a team of scientists who studied a special type of wind turbine that does not have spinning blades like conventional wind turbines. Instead, it uses two curved pieces called airfoils that sit across from each other. When wind blows over these pieces, it creates a vacuum and a suction that pulls air through the middle and spins a generator to make electricity. "This technology addresses a major challenge in urban wind energy," said Dr. Hussain. "Traditional wind turbines are too large and noisy for city use, but our research shows these motionless systems have the potential to be a game-changer."