Makani Power's Wing 7 Flies Around the Skies Gathering Wind Energy
Michael Hines — October 11, 2011 — Eco
References: makanipower & gizmag
Makani Power is making it easier to generate wind energy with Wing 7. Wing 7 is a flying wind turbine designed to fly at high altitudes where the wind is at its most powerful and abundant.
Wing 7 takes off vertically and has a cruising altitude of around 1,300 feet. Once Wing 7 has reached its cruising altitude, the wing begins flying like a kite in horizontal sweeping patterns. The energy generated is transferred down the Wing 7's tether and stored in a power box below. Currently the turbine is capable of generating 20 kilowatts of power per hour, but the team is working on a new design that could fly as high as 1,800 feet and generate 1 megawatt of power. If everything goes well, the team hopes to bring the Wing 7 to the commercial market by 2015.
Wing 7 takes off vertically and has a cruising altitude of around 1,300 feet. Once Wing 7 has reached its cruising altitude, the wing begins flying like a kite in horizontal sweeping patterns. The energy generated is transferred down the Wing 7's tether and stored in a power box below. Currently the turbine is capable of generating 20 kilowatts of power per hour, but the team is working on a new design that could fly as high as 1,800 feet and generate 1 megawatt of power. If everything goes well, the team hopes to bring the Wing 7 to the commercial market by 2015.
Trend Themes
1. Flying Wind Turbines - The technology of flying wind turbines is a disruptive innovation opportunity as it provides a cost-effective alternative to fixed wind turbines.
2. High Altitude Wind Energy Generation - Developing high altitude wind energy generation methods is a disruptive innovation opportunity as it can generate more electricity with consistent wind speeds.
3. Tethered Uavs for Power Generation - Using tethered UAVs for power generation is a disruptive innovation opportunity as it provides an alternative to traditional power generation methods.
Industry Implications
1. Renewable Energy - Renewable energy companies could leverage flying wind turbines to create a more efficient and cost-effective system for power generation.
2. Aerospace - Aerospace companies could use their expertise to design and manufacture flying wind turbines, opening up a new market for their products.
3. Electricity Transmission and Distribution - Companies involved in electricity transmission and distribution could incorporate flying wind turbines into their networks, providing a more reliable and cost-effective source of energy.
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