Are wind lenses 3 times more efficient?
Potential for Cheap Wind Power
What is a wind lens? Generally, wind lenses are floating offshore energy producing windmills that generate electricity. Unlike offshore wind farms which may be mounted into the shallow waters of especially windy areas, the wind lens is self contained, easier to transport to the site, and easier to install. Because the rotating wind turbine blade is not mounted on a high mast, it does not present the same challenges as a fixed system. Additionally, wind lens barges (or boats) could be moved out of danger in the event of an incoming storm, whereas other wind turbines would need to weather the damage that can come from such an event. Maintenance on wind lenses is also theoretically cheaper since each lens could be rotated out to a maintenance facility while a fixed turbine would need on-site repairs that are complicated by the fact that they are situated in places that are almost always windy! Wind lens turbines can also be arranged in a honeycomb pattern to magnify the effect of blowing winds and to create a greater amount of electricity. The enclosed structure of the wind lens also magnifies the velocity of the air entering the turbine, which is an additional feature not available for free standing blades.
http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/08/02/wind-lens-turbines-could-boost-energy-generation-3x/
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Notes and Special Information
Special note: Wind lenses are still considered experimental so there may be unknown costs associated with the technology that could make it prohibitive.