Development of a dynamic kite-driven high-altitude wind-energy (HAWE) concept that has shown its mettle as a ship propulsion system is now being stepped up toward a giant 3.5MW design, which its inventors reckon could overtake floating turbines as the technology of choice for future deep-water wind farms.
The SkySails power system, a version of which was used in 2008 on a cargo vessel to offset some 2MW of engine power on a return journey across the Atlantic Ocean, ties together a vast “free-flying” polyamide kite-sail, high-tensile tether, automated control system and generator to harness the high-speed winds 200-800 metres up in the air.
Energy
