A research company in New Hampshire recently announced the
patent of their bladeless wind turbine, which is based on a
patent issued to Nikola Tesla in 1913. The Fuller Wind Turbine
developed by Solar Aero has only one rotating part, the turbine-
driveshaft. The entire assembly is contained inside a housing,
so that this turbine offers several advantages versus blade-
style (primarily horizontal-axis type) turbines. With a screened
inlet and outlet, this turbine does not present a danger to
wildlife such as bats and birds. To an outside observer, the
only movement visible is the entire turbine housing as it
adjusts to track the wind. This also makes it a good candidate
for use near military surveillance and radar installations,
where moving blades would otherwise cause difficulties.
According to the company, the turbine is expected to deliver
power at a cost comparable to coal-fired power plants. Total
operating costs over the lifetime of the unit are expected to be
about $0.12/kWh. The turbine also should have