Wind energy at 1,600 to 40,000 feet, Feasible

In summary, there are two designs currently being developed for high altitude wind power generation - a helium-filled turbine and a kite that goes up and down. However, the feasibility of these designs is dependent on overcoming challenges such as the weight of the cable and the winch mechanism on the ground. Overall, there are about six designs being explored and while they are feasible, their practicality remains to be seen.
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  • #2
Interesting. Kind of ironic that the best winds are up in the Jet Stream, where planes like to fly to conserve energy...
 
  • #3
berkeman said:
Interesting. Kind of ironic that the best winds are up in the Jet Stream, where planes like to fly to conserve energy...
Depends which direction you are going!
Kind of ironic that the wind wants to get from the USA to Europe!
 
  • #4
mgb_phys said:
Depends which direction you are going!
Kind of ironic that the wind wants to get from the USA to Europe!

Well... Let's just say that it bypasses the US in favor of Europe. Sounds better that way... :tongue2:
 
  • #5
Hmmm, doesn't it go from China to the US?
- The winds of fortune come bearing a trade imbalance.
 
  • #6
flatmaster said:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/06/16/high-altitude.wind.power/index.html


Basically two designs, one a helium-filled turbine. The other would be a kite that goes up and down.

Is this feasible? I see a major issue being the weight of cable that the device would need to support.

Theres actually about a half dozen designs that are being developed right now for high altitude wind generation. As you stated one of the major design challenges is of the tether but also the winch that houses it on the ground. All the designs I have seen are feasible, but whether or not they are practical is whole other matter.
 

1. How does wind energy at high altitudes work?

Wind energy at 1,600 to 40,000 feet utilizes specialized airborne wind turbines, also known as flying wind farms, to capture the strong and consistent winds found at high altitudes. These turbines are tethered to the ground and are able to generate electricity by flying in a circular motion, similar to traditional wind turbines.

2. Is wind energy at high altitudes feasible?

Recent studies have shown that wind energy at 1,600 to 40,000 feet is indeed feasible and has the potential to generate significantly more electricity than traditional wind energy systems. However, further research and development is still needed to make this technology more efficient and cost-effective.

3. What are the advantages of wind energy at high altitudes?

One of the main advantages of wind energy at high altitudes is the availability of stronger and more consistent winds. This means that the turbines can generate electricity more consistently, leading to a more reliable and stable source of renewable energy. Additionally, flying wind farms have a smaller physical footprint compared to traditional wind farms, making them more suitable for urban areas with limited space.

4. Are there any potential challenges or drawbacks to wind energy at high altitudes?

One potential challenge is the cost of developing and implementing this technology, as it requires specialized equipment and infrastructure. Additionally, there may be concerns about the safety and impact on aviation, wildlife, and the environment. However, these challenges can be addressed through proper planning and regulation.

5. How does wind energy at high altitudes compare to other renewable energy sources?

Compared to other renewable energy sources, wind energy at high altitudes has the potential to generate more electricity and is not limited by factors such as land availability or weather conditions. However, it is still a relatively new and developing technology, and further research is needed to fully understand its potential and limitations.

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