World’s first megawatt-level ‘windmill’ airship set to generate power in China
SMRTR summary
A floating turbine that looks like an airship and generates power like a windmill is about to take flight over China. This megawatt-level system, called the S1500, produces energy equivalent to a traditional 328-foot wind turbine while hovering nearly a mile above the ground.
"Wind flows roughly three times faster at 4,921 feet above ground than it does on land, which means it could increase the power output by approximately 27 times," explains Weng Hanke, chief technology officer at Beijing SAWES Energy Technology Company.
The helium-filled airship carries twelve micro-generators made of carbon fiber, weighing less than a ton altogether. Through a cable, it sends electricity generated from high-altitude winds back to Earth.
This isn't SAWES's first airborne power project. Previous versions reached 1,640 feet and 3,280 feet, generating 50kW and 100kW respectively.
The company envisions these floating turbines providing power for emergency rescue operations and remote locations where conventional power infrastructure is impractical. Their ultimate ambition? A system soaring 32,808 feet high, where stronger winds could dramatically boost output.
SMRTR provides this summary for quick context. The original article belongs to Interesting Engineering.
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