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Researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a novel winglet design for wind turbines, inspired by the Andean condor’s wings. The condor’s wings are particularly efficient due to their unique shape, which reduces drag and allows them to soar for long distances without flapping. The University of Alberta’s mechanical engineering department teamed up with Biome Renewables, a company that specializes in biomimicry, to create a 17.6-foot winglet designed to be easily added to existing wind turbine blades. The team used computer simulations to study the winglet’s impact on a standard wind turbine model and found a significant increase in both torque and overall power production. The winglet reduces induced drag by creating a more efficient airflow around the blade tip. This breakthrough could boost wind turbine efficiency by an average of 10%. The research highlights the potential of biomimicry in solving complex engineering problems and could contribute to a more sustainable future by increasing the use of clean energy sources.