| Giant Kites Could Power 100,000 Homes |
| Written by Jaymi Heimbuch | ||
| Wednesday, 06 August 2008 | ||
|
The kite generates energy by pulling on its string on the way up. When it gets to the end of the string, it’s pulled back down and then sent back up for another flight. The amount of energy captured is maximized by flying the kite in figure eights, and bringing it down in a fall like a glider plane.
If you’re thinking, “Now, this I gotta see,” then you can watch this video. It really is pretty cool. And considering how easily the kite takes off in the strong wind – no running, jumping, or Peter-Pan-wishful-thinking involved – I can imagine that a whole lot of power could be generated. Google thinks so too, having invested $10 million in a
Wind higher than about a kilometer above the ground carries about 100 times more energy than wind at tower level, so finding a cheap way to harness it – like kite flying – could be a big breakthrough for wind power. Countries like the
The
Via the Guardian
Comments
(12)
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written by Ken Roberts , August 06, 2008
This is very interesting. I look forward to hearing more about the actual mechanics involved.
Dangerous technology
written by Pete , August 06, 2008
Although this might sound like an interesting idea, we must also consider safety.
Giant kites are potentially a very dangerous technology. What happens if an aeroplane hits one? What happens to birds who stray into the flight area? What if a kite breaks free? What is to stop terrorists from using these kites as weapons of mass destruction?
lol
written by badgerfaction5 , August 06, 2008
LOL at Pete
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written by haichen , August 06, 2008
Everytime I read about killed birds i get big headaches. No one of this people ever complained about cars killing birds (and people). But I think the above is ironic. Hope so.
Kite Gen
written by Al , August 07, 2008
Kitegen has a similar idea, but having 1GW power stations, with a giant carousel and the kites used to turn this.
In their literature they say getting no fly signs shouldn't be an issue, as nuclear plants and oil refineries already get them. Plus like the laddermill can be built most places.
cargo powered by kite
written by DaMs , August 07, 2008
a german company has tested a kite for cargo boat to reduce fuel consumption.
all info are here: http://skysails.info/index.php?L=1
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written by boohoo , August 07, 2008
This will strictly be a European and/or Asia thing. How will it meet the building codes in the U.S.?
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written by xebra , August 08, 2008
This would be another way to harness wind energy then; very good idea, and it would likely have fewer limitations than windmills i would imagine, since these would be much higher up in the air.
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written by Lance Quagmire , August 08, 2008
It would be kind of funny if there was a power outage caused by someone failing at flying a kite.
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written by Jacob , August 08, 2008
If they get the power when it goes up, wouldn't they just expend that power drawing it back down?
A new twist on wind power
written by Barry , August 09, 2008
What a great new twist on wind power! It really is amazing seeing the wind power industry take off over the last few years. With brilliant designs like this kite and this spiral wind turbine: http://www.residential-wind-po...rk-of-art/ it really is an exciting industry to watch.
A genius says
written by a genius says , August 16, 2008
This apparatus has to be completed for protection from a lightening!
This can hit the electricity gathering system down on earth and make it useless. Nevertheless, this also breaks whole household electricities down the hill. |
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