Finally, there are the wind turbines of the future. These turbines could technically be placed into the large turbine category, but they are being highly developed so that fewer turbines are need to produce the same output that they are now and more. Two companies, Zond Energy Systems, Incorporated and The Wind Turbine Company, who were chosen to develop a more productive type machine, are now holding the future for turbines. Both companies are researching and developing the most efficient and powerful turbines. In order to develop these new models, computer generators are utilized, along with test laboratories and wind studies that will help create the best structure for the land, wind, and output.
Government funding is of major importance to the development of better machines.
The new models being looked at are the Z-56, and the WTC 1000, which will both be on the megawatt scale. The Z-56 configuration will be about 230 feet high with a rotor diameter of 184 feet. There will be three blades on the rotor that will use advanced airfoils and edge flaps for over speed control. This turbine will have only two blades that will be teetered downwind and will have individual pitch readings. Both models are the future to our energy needs.