ktlight
17th August 2011, 11:46
Have you heard the news?
Magenn Power has developed a floating wind turbine called MARS, which is capable of producing 4-1600 kilowatts of energy while floating up to 1000 feet above ground. Floating wind turbines are new to the renewable energy scene, but are sure to "take off" as news about their capabilities continues to spread.
Here's what you need to know about this new energy technology: Wind turbine energy has become increasingly popular all across the globe as more and more attention is being given to renewable energy resources. However, one major hang-up for consumer-based wind turbine technology has been that many consumers do not have the space - or the wind - to make wind turbines a viable energy source for them.
With the development of floating wind turbines, those issues may disappear. Floating wind turbines are small and lightweight - weighing around 8 pounds. They can be shipped assembled and ready to go, which eliminates the need for consumers to hire sometimes-expensive contractors to construct the wind energy source.
But equally as important for many consumers: floating wind turbines can be floated up to 1000 feet in the air, which means that they can often find wind even in "windless" areas.
How can floating wind turbines be used?
There are many applications for floating wind turbines all over the world. They can power farms or homes in remote areas, they can deliver power to structures that are not on a utility power grid. They can provide power in natural disaster areas when grid power is unavailable.
They can also provide a low-cost backup power source for just about any application.
How do floating wind turbines work?
Floating wind turbines work using the same principles as traditional land-based wind turbines. The light-weight devices are shaped similarly to a ball, but have distinguished rotors that turn in the wind. The unit is tethered to the ground and rotates on a horizontal axis as it responds to wind currents.
The rotation of the unit produces the "Magnus effect," which is a physical force that provides additional lift to the turbine while also keeping it stabilized and positioned within the allowable area. (The Federal Aviation and Administrations for the U.S. and Canada have guidelines for how high objects can hover above ground.)
As the unit rotates, it generates electrical energy that is transferred down the tether. Once the electrical energy is transferred down the tether of the floating turbine, it can be immediately used or it can be stored in batteries or delivered to the utility power grid.
Again, one of the major benefits of using a floating wind turbine is that these units can ascent to higher altitudes where wind might be more available. The turbines can then float on different jet streams, getting the best possible wind currents for energy production. As a result of this mobility, the floating wind turbine is often a viable solution for gaining wind energy in difficult locations.
Keep an eye out for more news about Floating Wind Turbines, as they are sure to make a substantial impact as their popularity grows in the coming years.
To cleaner, more affordable power,
Ben Ford
Founder,
HomeMadeEnergy.org
Magenn Power has developed a floating wind turbine called MARS, which is capable of producing 4-1600 kilowatts of energy while floating up to 1000 feet above ground. Floating wind turbines are new to the renewable energy scene, but are sure to "take off" as news about their capabilities continues to spread.
Here's what you need to know about this new energy technology: Wind turbine energy has become increasingly popular all across the globe as more and more attention is being given to renewable energy resources. However, one major hang-up for consumer-based wind turbine technology has been that many consumers do not have the space - or the wind - to make wind turbines a viable energy source for them.
With the development of floating wind turbines, those issues may disappear. Floating wind turbines are small and lightweight - weighing around 8 pounds. They can be shipped assembled and ready to go, which eliminates the need for consumers to hire sometimes-expensive contractors to construct the wind energy source.
But equally as important for many consumers: floating wind turbines can be floated up to 1000 feet in the air, which means that they can often find wind even in "windless" areas.
How can floating wind turbines be used?
There are many applications for floating wind turbines all over the world. They can power farms or homes in remote areas, they can deliver power to structures that are not on a utility power grid. They can provide power in natural disaster areas when grid power is unavailable.
They can also provide a low-cost backup power source for just about any application.
How do floating wind turbines work?
Floating wind turbines work using the same principles as traditional land-based wind turbines. The light-weight devices are shaped similarly to a ball, but have distinguished rotors that turn in the wind. The unit is tethered to the ground and rotates on a horizontal axis as it responds to wind currents.
The rotation of the unit produces the "Magnus effect," which is a physical force that provides additional lift to the turbine while also keeping it stabilized and positioned within the allowable area. (The Federal Aviation and Administrations for the U.S. and Canada have guidelines for how high objects can hover above ground.)
As the unit rotates, it generates electrical energy that is transferred down the tether. Once the electrical energy is transferred down the tether of the floating turbine, it can be immediately used or it can be stored in batteries or delivered to the utility power grid.
Again, one of the major benefits of using a floating wind turbine is that these units can ascent to higher altitudes where wind might be more available. The turbines can then float on different jet streams, getting the best possible wind currents for energy production. As a result of this mobility, the floating wind turbine is often a viable solution for gaining wind energy in difficult locations.
Keep an eye out for more news about Floating Wind Turbines, as they are sure to make a substantial impact as their popularity grows in the coming years.
To cleaner, more affordable power,
Ben Ford
Founder,
HomeMadeEnergy.org