AUG 06

While pondering how to capture wind energy, scientists from the Netherlands went out and flew a giant kite. The 10-sq-meter kite was tethered to a generator and managed to produce 10 kW. With the success of this kite, they’re planning to test a 50 kW version of the kite, dubbed Laddermill, and if that succeeds, they’re proposing a multi-kite version that could get as much as 100 MW - enough for 100,000 homes.

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 US kite project last year. Actually, we know of a lot of people are working on generating wind power from kites – or like-flying objects – even on a commercial scale.

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 UK, Netherlands, and Denmark are perfect for this type of wind power generation, being located next to the high-speed jet stream.

The Netherlands scientists believe they could generate power comparable to the price of coal, and 50% cheaper than wind turbines. Now, like most all renewable energy endeavors, all these various researchers simply need the funding to back the projects. Hopefully investors will look at Google and pull a monkey-see-monkey-do.

Via the Guardian

Comments (13)

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written by Ken Roberts, August 07, 2008

This is very interesting. I look forward to hearing more about the actual mechanics involved.

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Dangerous technology
written by Pete, August 07, 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?

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lol
written by badgerfaction5, August 07, 2008

LOL at Pete

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written by haichen, August 07, 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.

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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.

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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 09, 2008

If they get the power when it goes up, wouldn't they just expend that power drawing it back down?

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A new twist on wind power
written by Barry, August 10, 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.

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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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Good Source for Self Generation Incentiv
written by Mike Tomlin, March 19, 2009

Hey - if kite power has any potential for a future application of generating wind power through new and innovative technologies that are positive and ultimatily provide a commercial application, then you may want to look to the California SGIP program and lobby for eligible kite power funding. Go Wind.

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