Tuesday, September 19, 2006

US Patent 7108485 - Noise Reduction using Nano-nails

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7108485.pdf

This patent uses nanotechnology to help solve energy generation problems in a somewhat indirect way. Wind-based power generation is hindered by the creation of noise. This patent uses nanostructured structures formed from hydrophobic polymers to dissipate such noise. Claim 1 reads:

1. A rotor blade comprising: a surface; a fluid repellent structure coated on at least a portion of said surface, said structure having a plurality of nano-nails providing a degree of unevenness and irregularity on said portion of the surface such that water drops do not adhere to the rotor blade surface and rotor blade sound generation in operation of a wind power installation is lessened.