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Social Impact of Technology Written Assignment #1
Social Impact of Technology – Section 31
Professor David Perryman
Sunday February 10th, 2008

Summary
The article entitled “A Whale of a Tale” discusses a newly developed wind-turbine blade which is proving significant in letting a turbine catch the wind’s energy at lower speeds, thus allowing more of the wind’s energy to be collected. The blades are made by Toronto-based WhalePower Corp. The blades are much different from the sleek and smooth design of most modern wind-turbine blades, and take on a whole new design. The blades, which are shaped with teeth-like bumps on their edges, resemble that of a humpback whale’s flipper hence the name, WhalePower. What was found is that this new design is significantly more efficient then the blades now. “Tests to date have demonstrated "outstanding performance," most importantly during light winds, with the tubercle-lined blades capable of more than doubling performance at wind speeds of 8 metres per second.” (Hamilton, 2007, p.2) This is very important as it improves business for wind farms and allows businesses the ability high-scale wind generation. These blades are also said to help typical wind-turbines from stalling on days that are less-windy and therefore help in reducing drag. This not only changes wind-turbines themselves but other things such as hydroelectric generation and ceiling fans that would use less electricity. The article goes on to state that the potential of the blades was great enough that Ontario Power Authority has contributed $70,000 in early research funding. It was said that in one study, “the U.S. Naval Academy saw 32 per cent lower drag and an 8 per cent improvement in lift from a flipper with tubercles compared to a smooth flipper.” (Hamilton, 2007, p.2) The article ends in stating that although it may take a while to get any sort of technology into the marketplace, people will realize the benefits and potential   the product has and will...