The Promise of Wind Turbines

Wind turbines at ground level produce at a rate of 20-25%, but when placed at altitudes from 600-1000 feet, energy output can double. Ottawa-based Magenn Power is in the prototype stages of the world’s first floating wind turbine.

The Magenn Air Rotor System or MARS is a stationary blimp kept afloat with helium and tethered into place on an electrical grid. Centrifugal blades on the MARS can generate up to several megawatts of clean, renewable energy at a price well below our current grounded wind turbines.

Magenn Power actually got its start with Star Wars funding when it was commissioned in the 1980s with the task of lifting 60,000 lbs to 1000 feet, or 6,000 lbs to 10,000 feet by the U.S. military and other governments to keep very heavy payloads aloft via specially-designed helium balloons made of Kevlar.
Helium is not the only thing that keeps the object aloft.  Combined with its shape, the spinning generates lift using what is called the Magnus effect, which also tends to keep the craft overhead on its tether, rather than drifting downwind, turning at the speed of wind, the inflatable paddle wheel starts spinning at 2 meters per second, and will handles winds in excess of 28 meters per second.

While we’ve been intrigued by other forms of lofty renewable energy systems, MARS stands out for its seemingly low-impact presence and highly mobile capabilities. Eventually the company hopes to use MARS in developing countries with little rural access to electricity, and for emergency disaster relief.

+ Magenn Power

 

Comments

[saudi]

Top of the moutains are the palces to be for wind turbines.

[Lazarou Monkey Terror]

I want one! But could I get planning permission to tether it above my house and be energy self sufficient?

[Andy Olsen]

Sounds great in concept but let's see a working prototype soon. They've been talking about this for some time now.

[Richard Lalancette]

I love this concept.

If this could get rid of a nuclear power station or one coal fire burning plant, let's do it!!!

[MICHAEL J. SCHMITZ]

ON WIND TURBINES, SEND ME YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND ALL INFO ON OUTPUT, HOW OR WHAT TYPE OF STATIONARY BASE THEY NEED FOR USE AND THE USES FOR EACH. ALSO DIFFERENT SIZE ENGINES AND PRICES.