Wind Power From Kites

Peter D.

Wind Power Kites Following successful experiments flying giant kites at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, kite power may become another lucrative tool in alternative power generation schemes.

The experiment, which harnessed wind energy by flying a 10-sq metre kite tethered to an electric generator, produced 10 kilowatts of power, enough electricity to power ten homes. Future versions of the kites could fly at a kilometer or more above the earth, where winds carry hundreds of times more energy than on the ground.

It is estimated that the total energy available in high altitude winds is 100 times the power requirement needed by everyone on the planet. Kites provide the means to tap into this lucrative source, as kites overcome major problems faced by land-based wind generators, namely the lack of wind speed at ground level. The kites could also be used offshore, which would overcome the visual pollution problem of fixed wind turbines.

Researchers also plan to test a 50kW version of their invention. Eventually, they hope to build a multiple kite installation which has the potential to generate 100 megawatts, enough energy to power a small city. An Italian company, Kitegen, has gone one step further and designed a theoretical system, consisting of 48 kites, which could potentially generate a gigawatt of power.

Related Stories:

 

 

 

 

1 comment

If you see any unhelpful comments, please let us know immediately.

Available power increases according to the cube of speed. Double the wind speed and the power increases to 8 times.

That makes it very appealing to get wind turbines high and away from the earth's surface friction.

Written in August

Add a comment
  • to get your picture next to your comment (not a member yet?).
  • (hint: logged in Celsias members don't have to fill in this)
  • Posted on Aug. 6, 2008. Listed in:

    See other articles written by peter »

    1 comment


    Pledge to do these related actions

    Submit a Crazy Green Idea!, 2°

    Submit a crazy green idea to be turned into the next X PRIZE in Energy ...

    Cover your pots while cooking, 732°

    Doing so can save a lot of the energy needed for preparing the dish. Even ...

    Use a manual lawn mower., 121°

    If you've got a small garden then try using a push lawn mower instead of ...

    Follow these related projects

    YERT Your Environmental Road Trip

    Minneapolis, United States

    Featured Companies & Orgs