April 15, 2007

Tethered wind power

A tethered airship wind power system could tap into more consistent and more accessible winds at the 270 meter / 1000 foot level. This would increase capacity load to 40-50% and allow placement closer to population centers but 5 miles away from airports due to air traffic rules.

They are producing a prototype 4 kilowatt system this year.

Magenn Power's MARS claims the following advantages over existing Conventional Wind Turbines and Diesel Generating Systems including: global deployment, lower costs, better operational performance, and greater environmental advantages. MARS can complement a diesel generator by offering a combined diesel-wind power solution that delivers power below 20 cents per kWh. The initial target markets are developing nations where infrastructure is limited or non existent; off-grid combined wind and diesel solutions for island nations, farms, remote areas, cell towers, exploration equipment, backup power & water pumps for natural gas mines; rapid deployment diesel & wind solutions (to include airdrop) to disaster areas for power to emergency and medical equipment, water pumps; on-grid applications for farms, factories, remote communities; and wind farm deployments.