Researchers are looking at energy kites and higher altitude wind flows to harness the power of the wind, both mechanically and electrically.
A recent research study by ReportLinker, an award-winning market research company, provides an overview of high-altitude wind technology. The study assesses the various technologies currently available to harness high-altitude winds, and looks at how these options differ in cost effectiveness and material use from conventional wind-power generation. The study also provides details about the key participants in the market and the specific technologies in development.
According to a press release from ReportLinker, high-altitude winds have the potential to provide a reliable and a consistent source of power. Based on the wind velocity assessments it has been found that the increase in wind velocity with altitude is proportional to the seventh root of increase in altitude. This implies that at altitudes where the wind velocity is double that of the velocity at an altitude of 100 meters, it would generate power that would be equal to the cube of the power generated at 100 meters.
To harness this power, so far untapped, technology is required that’s very flexible yet strong. Innovators, predominantly from Europe and America, have started creating technologies and prototypes to harness this power in mechanical and electrical forms. While still in infancy, this concept has garnered the attention of industry heavyweights. For example, Google and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have already invested in start-ups.
This research service gives a snapshot of the technology landscape, the industry value chain and the future outlook. Some key patents and contact details of key industry participants are also given.
Research scope
A revolutionary idea was put forth by Miles L. Loyd in a paper titled Crosswind Kite Power published in 1980. He suggested that energy kites could be used to harness wind energy, mechanically and electrically.
Modern-day researchers have combined the concepts of Loyd’s paper, along with the fact that winds at higher altitudes flow at higher velocities and are much more consistent than winds closer to the ground. They have employed technologies suggested in
the paper for generation of electric power. If developed and executed effectively, these technologies could become a new milestone in alternate energy resources.
This research service provides the following:
- Overview of high altitude wind energy
- A snapshot of technologies enabling energy from high altitude winds
- Key industry participants
- Analyst insights
Download the full report here.
Reportlinker
www.reportlinker.com
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