altaeros energies high altitude wind turbine deploys at 1,000 feet
altaeros energies high altitude wind turbine deploys at 1,000 feet above ground
image © altaeros energies
altaeros energies, the wind energy company formed out of MIT, announced that its alaska demonstration project is set to break the world record for the highest wind turbine ever deployed. at a height 1,000 feet above ground, the BAT (buoyant airborne turbine) project, will be over 275 feet taller than the current record holder for the highest wind turbine, the vestas v164-8.0-mw. the BAT has been designed to generate consistent, low cost energy for the remote power and microgrid market, which is currently served by expensive diesel generators. the wind turbines will be used to power remote and island communities; agriculture, disaster relief organizations, and even military bases.
image © altaeros energies
the BAT uses a helium-filled, inflatable shell to lift it to high altitudes, where winds are stronger and more consistent than those reached by traditional tower-mounted turbines. high strength tethers hold the turbine steady and send electricity down to the ground.
video © altaerosenergies
image © altaeros energies
the lifting technology is adapted from aerostats, industrial cousins of blimps, which have lifted heavy communications equipment into the air for decades. aerostats are rated to survive hurricane-level winds and have safety features that ensure a slow descent to the ground. in 2013, altaeros successfully tested a BAT prototype in 45 mph winds and at a height of 500 feet.
wind power (46 articles)
prototype 2030 proposes to transform wind turbines into iconic landmarks
america's renewable energy usage surpasses coal for the first time ever
FABRICations draws a framework for energy landscapes of the future netherlands
LEGO launches fully functioning wind turbine with bricks made from plants
DWF designs a safe and affordable solution for wind generation
fluventum, a combined wind and wave energy converter
technology news
watch live: SpaceX + NASA astronauts successfully dock at the international space station
#technology
SpaceX launched astronauts bob behnken and doug hurley into space, returning human spaceflight to the united states after nine years.
SpaceX launched astronauts bob behnken and doug hurley into space, returning human spaceflight to the united states after nine years.
lickable 'taste gadget' can recreate any flavor without eating food
#technology
a gadget that is a test for your taste or a way to fake your favorite flavor - all you need is a little lick.
a gadget that is a test for your taste or a way to fake your favorite flavor - all you need is a little lick.
this device captures harmful microplastic particles from your tyres
#technology
what if cars could clean up after themselves?
what if cars could clean up after themselves?
'dancer' is an ultralight electric city bus with a body made from recycled PET bottles
#technology
the design aims to make public transport both attractive for passengers and friendly for the environment.
the design aims to make public transport both attractive for passengers and friendly for the environment.
This is a lovely idea.
What is the power available from the tested turbine?
What is the total mass of the cable running to ground? Presumably the per meter mass limit the design height of the BAT – to what height?
TG