Kite-Powered Generator to Rival Nuclear Plant Output
(7 votes, average: 4.43 out of 5)
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by Mike Zazaian October 10, 2006 - 3:33pm, 7 Comments
Developed by Sequoia Automation, the KiteGen deploys kites from metal poles when a sizable wind approaches. After deployment each kite, similar to those used in Kite surfing, uses a pair of high-tension cables to adjust height and angle for maximum wind resistance. After the Kites set the KiteGen in motion an alternator at the core of the device harnesses current in a very efficient manner.
It’s been called revolutionary, but I see it as part of a new energy future,
said Massimo Ippolito, head of R&D for Sequoia. With the right mix of photovoltaic, solar thermal power, plus wind power from KiteGen, we can try to meet the needs for rising global electricity consumption.
The KiteGen improves upon inefficient windmill systems that use a single propeller to generate energy. Unlike these static generators, the dynamic movement of the KiteGen’s kites allow it to use an autopilot-like system to adjust to wind conditions in order to achieve the highest possible speed, and therefore the greatest output. The efficiency of the system would be so great, in fact, that Sequoia estimates KiteGen could produce one gigawatt of power for just 1.5 euros per megawatt hour. Were it able to achieve these theoretical figures, KiteGen would be nearly 30 times more efficient than other European energy production techniques, which which cost about 43 euros per megawat hour. Sequoia believes it can produce a working model of the KiteGen within two years.
But even with the promise that the project has shown, Italian pundits and lawmakers alike are a bit dubious about the future of KiteGen. Invasion of air space seems to be an especially touchy matter, as KiteGen’s kites, which can fly higher than a mile above the ground, could interfere with the flight paths of planes, helicopters, or even birds. Said Luciano Pirazzi, an energy expert for the Italian government agency ENEA:
It’s a fascinating project, for the amount of power it promises and the low cost. But — and there are a series of buts — it is still basically a concept on the drawing board. Feasibility has to be proven.
Sequoia is acommodating for the concern with the development of a radar system that would detect such flying objects, automatically moving KiteGen’s kites out of the way. Were the project a success, KiteGen could help Italy meet standards set by the EU Renewable Energy Directive, which require that the country run on at least 22 percent renewable energy by 2010.
[via Wired]
there has to be an easier way to use kites to generage electricity. what ever system should also capture static electricity.
joe dupont
It is quite feasable, but it depends on the wind reliance of the area. One substabtiated theory of how the great pyramids were built was with wind pwer using sails and kites to lift and guide blocks weighing several tons into place. The energy is there. We just need to properly harness it. It also looks to be mostly a hands off system requiring miniman staff to operate.
John Crabtree
has wind direction been taken care of? Would not the system of kites would balance out leading to no rotation of the motor? A whirlwind may be best suited to it? Or there must have been a mechanism that shuts the kites once it comes against the wind?
A better idea would be to putup individual kites harnessed to a rotor and let them fly off generating energy over a hill slope and once the kite reaches the hill top, then let go the kite while another kite takes its position and drives the rotor. The kites have to collected and transfered back to rotor along with the rope. may be you should have a ropeway on which the kite directs itself taking along the rope. Donot know much about kitepower and never thought over it as a sourse of power. Very interesting, really. And worthy of pursuit.
Banu Prakash
hai po
hoby
Really quite an ingenious idea, especially linked to radar, which is the aspect that would make it complicated. That and siting. Nobody wants to look at propellers anymore than a bunch of kites in the middle of some beautiful setting.
If they can overcome these problems, it could work. I like the idea of rivalling nuclear as it would really be great to erase this form of energy, which has never been cost effective without governments stepping in, apart from the lethal potential, and anything that takes governments out of the equation must be preferable. I think I would rather look at windmills and kites!
Kai Jansen