Altaeros Energies recently completed tests of a 35-foot scale prototype of its Airborne Wind Turbine (AWT) at the Loring Commerce Center in Limestone, Maine.
The turbine climbed 350 feet into the air, produced power at altitude, and landed, all automatically. During testing at high altitude, the AWT generated more than twice the power of a tower-mounted turbine located at a conventional tower height, according to the company.
Airborne wind turbines take advantage of winds found at altitudes over 1,000 feet, which can be up to five times stronger and more consistent than those reached by traditional tower-mounted wind turbines. The AWT uses modern inflatable materials that can lift wind turbines into more powerful winds in almost any location.
Altaeros Energies recently completed tests of a 35-ft scale prototype of its Airborne Wind Turbine (AWT) for remote locations, which will harness energy at altitudes above 1,000 feet.
(Source: Altaeros Energies)
During testing, the AWT was successfully transported and deployed into and out of the air from a towable docking trailer. It uses a platform that is easy to set up from a shipping container and is cost competitive with alternate methods. "For decades, wind turbines have required cranes and huge towers to lift a few hundred feet off the ground where winds can be slow and gusty," said Ben Glass, the turbine's inventor and Altaeros CEO, in a press release.
Fabricated jointly by Altaeros and Doyle Sailmakers, the AWT achieved several key milestones during its tests, including fully-automated operation during landing and while in the air. Altaeros adapted the AWT's automated lifting technology from aerostats, which are industrial versions of passenger blimps that are rated for surviving hurricane-level winds. Their safety features ensure that the turbine will descend slowly to the ground. Aerostats have lifted and carried heavy communications and radar equipment into the air for decades.
While aloft, the AWT's helium-filled, inflatable shell lifted a Southwest Skystream turbine in the air. It was held steady by tethers that also send electricity down to the ground. The turbine also produces power while docked.
With its first commercial product, Altaeros aims to reduce energy costs by up to 65 percent by harnessing high-altitude winds and by reducing installation time from weeks to days. The AWT is also designed to require minimal maintenance and to have virtually no noise or environmental impact. Altaeros expects the AWT will replace diesel generators and the expensive fuel that powers them at remote military and industrial sites, as well as remote villages. Eventually, the company expects to scale up the technology and broaden it to the offshore wind market to reduce costs there.
The other problem is maintenance. The government funded windmills are largely laying fallow as the grants covered the windmill but not the maintenance. The power generated must not be of much value. Will this happen to these, too?
Can we assume that statement is twice the power of an equally sized turbine?
The GE 1.5MW turbine has a nacelle / blade assembly weight of 92 tons. Let's say the weight can be cut in half because the power is double at altitude. Call it a nice round 40 tons for discussion sake.
The Air Force has an aerostat based radar system. The aerostat is 186 feet long, 62 feet diameter, and lifts 2200 pounds.
Mr. Glass stated the system would be good for remote sites, and that makes a good deal of sense. Places that need a reasonably portable power source will probably not need a megawatt of power.
But he also implied this system could replace conventional tower turbines. I don't see that; something with the lift capacity of 40 aerostats would be necessary.
Helium is also a non-renewable resource; its price has steadily climbed.
Good questions, Rob. It's described as fully automated and for remote locations. That sounds like it doesn't need a babysitter, although obviously it would need occasional maintenance checks. As far as a rooftop, I don't know--this is a scaled prototype and not full size, so I guess it depends on the size and height of the roof.
This is very impressive, Ann. Do you know if it needs a babysitter on the ground? Or is it fully automatic? I would imagine this would probably have to be situated in rural areas. But who knows. Maybe it could be situated on a rooftop in Manhattan.
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