Wind Turbine Floats 2,000 Feet
Most wind turbine manufacturers are competing to build taller turbines to harness more powerful winds above 500 feet, or 150 meters. Altaeros is going much higher with their novel Buoyant Airborne Turbine: the BAT. The Altaeros BAT can reach 2,000 feet, or 600 meters.
The key enabling technologies include a novel aerodynamic design, custom-made composite materials, and an innovative control system. The helium-inflatable shell channels wind through a lightweight wind turbine, self-stabilizes, and produces aerodynamic lift, in addition to buoyancy. Multiple high strength tethers hold the BAT in place and a single conductive tether transmits power to a mobile ground station.
Remote customers typically pay over $0.30/kWh USD for electricity. The BAT has the potential to bring affordable wind energy to these communities and industries. The first model will provide enough electricity for a small community, or about a dozen American homes.
Much like other tethered balloons, the Altaeros BAT can lift communication, Internet and sensory equipment alongside the turbine to provide additional services for customers. The addition of payload equipment does not affect its performance.
Photo’s captation: Altaeros BAT trials
