Airborne Wind Turbines: New Technology from China
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Summary: High-Altitude Wind Turbine – S1500
This article details a new wind turbine developed by Beijing Sawes in collaboration with several Chinese research institutions (Tsinghua University, Aerospace Research Institute, and China Academy). The turbine, named S1500, is a modern realization of a 1957 vision for harnessing high-altitude winds.
Key Features & Details:
Altitude: Designed to operate at 1,500 meters – considerably higher than conventional wind turbines (max 200m) or previous attempts (hundreds of meters).
Power Output: 1 Megawatt (MW) – equivalent to a traditional wind turbine with a 100-meter diameter.
Design: Resembles the original 1957 concept, utilizing a tethered, airborne structure. It’s filled with helium for buoyancy.
Components: Composed of 12 microgenerators made from carbon fiber, totaling 1 MW of power. The entire turbine weighs 1 ton. Power Transmission: Electricity is transmitted to the ground via a cable. (Potential safety concerns regarding air traffic are acknowledged but not yet addressed.)
Potential Use: Engineers suggest it could be used for emergency power supply during disasters.
Development History: This is the latest in a series of similar turbines developed by the same team, with previous versions achieving 50kW (at 500m) and 100kW (at 1000m).
Original Idea: The initial concept from 1957 also involved grounding the management with a cable and covering the conductive parts with photovoltaic panels.
In essence, the S1500 represents a significant step forward in airborne wind energy technology, aiming to tap into the stronger and more consistent winds found at higher altitudes.