Harnessing the power of high altitude winds has been continually
explored over the years. Recently, testing of a 35-foot wide prototype
of an Airborne Wind Turbine (AWT) has been completed by
Altaeros Energies. The AWT was deployed at 350 feet high and produced
twice as much power at high altitude than generated at conventional
tower height turbines, this was done in an automated cycle. It was
transported and deployed from a trailer, which can be very useful in
remote areas. It is as clean and portable as it can get.
The AWT is made of strong inflatable material, filled with helium, to
lift a Southwest Skystream turbine to high altitude winds. Where winds
are way more consistent and could reach speeds up to five times stronger
than tower height turbines. The technology applied on the AWT has been
tried and tested. Strong tethers hold it in place, while transmitted
electricity for direct use or storage on the ground. Its helium filled
lift has been adapted from aerostats which carry communication
equipments to high altitudes and rated to survive hurricane-level winds.
The company behind this technology is eyeing to harness energy from
winds above 1,000 feet high. Installation from weeks to just a few days.
Altaeros plans to improve the technology further to reduce costs in the
offshore wind market.
Due to the emerging sector exploring “airborne or high altitude” wind
energy. Last December 2011, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
released draft guidelines allowing the new class of airborne wind
systems to be cited under existing regulation.
High altitude wind technology is definitely a possible reality to
generate clean energy and tap into unlimited natural resource. Now the
question is, Will this be the next big thing in power generation? and
when will this be available to the community?
As always, we will have to wait and see, it this amazing clean and green technology make it for public or commercial use.
source: Altaeros Energies
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