Nanotechnology still sounds to me like something from a Science Fiction movie, but technology that is able to alter the composition or functioning of materials at the nano–ie molecular– scale is already being deployed in the energy sector.
German chemicals group Degussa has been working on a new coating for wind turbines that uses nanotechnology to alter the molecular structure of paint to make it assume water-repelling properties already found in nature. Leaves on many species of tree already do this and now scientists are working on a way to get wind turbines to do the same. Why? Because by repelling water, components like blades and towers will suffer less corrosion and can operate more efficiently. Water on blades makes them move more sluggishly, especially when cold weather turns it into ice. And water also attracts dirt and dust particles, so by repelling water, wind turbines would become self-cleaning, cutting [...]
What role for nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology still sounds to me like something from a Science Fiction movie, but technology that is able to alter the composition or functioning of materials at the nano–ie molecular– scale is already being deployed in the energy sector.
German chemicals group Degussa has been working on a new coating for wind turbines that uses nanotechnology to alter the molecular structure of paint to make it assume water-repelling properties already found in nature. Leaves on many species of tree already do this and now scientists are working on a way to get wind turbines to do the same. Why? Because by repelling water, components like blades and towers will suffer less corrosion and can operate more efficiently. Water on blades makes them move more sluggishly, especially when cold weather turns it into ice. And water also attracts dirt and dust particles, so by repelling water, wind turbines would become self-cleaning, cutting [...]
Original post by The Heritage Foundation – 2006-06-12