Airborne wind energy facts for kids
Airborne wind energy (AWE) is a cool way to get power from the wind. It uses special flying devices to catch strong winds high up in the sky. Think of it like a giant kite or a small airplane that helps make electricity.
Unlike regular wind turbines on tall towers, AWE systems fly much higher. This lets them reach winds that are stronger and more steady. These high-flying devices can be kites, special balloons, or even gliders. They turn the wind's movement into useful energy. This energy can then be sent down to the ground.
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Why High-Altitude Wind is Great for Power
Winds high up in the sky are usually much stronger and blow more often. This is a big advantage for making energy. Imagine doubling the wind's speed. This can give you eight times more power! Tripling the speed gives you 27 times more power. This is because the power in wind increases very quickly with its speed.
- Stronger Winds: Higher winds are more powerful.
- Steadier Winds: They blow more consistently.
- More Predictable: It's easier to know when and where they will blow.
AWE systems can also change their height and position. This helps them catch the best winds. Regular wind turbines are stuck in one spot. This makes AWE systems very flexible.
As these systems fly higher, engineers need to think about new challenges. These include longer tethers and changes in air temperature. They also consider lightning and how to keep the systems safe.
How We Catch High-Altitude Wind Energy
Many different flying objects can catch wind energy. These include:
- Kites
- Kytoons (a mix of a kite and a balloon)
- Tethered gliders
- Aerostats (like blimps or balloons)
- Special airfoils (wing-shaped devices)
Some systems use turbines on the flying device itself. Others use the pulling force of the device. This pulling force can be used directly. For example, large kites can pull cargo ships across the ocean. This is already a common use of airborne wind energy.
Controlling Airborne Wind Systems
HAWP aircraft need to be controlled carefully. Some systems fly on their own using computers. Others are controlled by people on the ground using radio signals.
These control systems help the device stay in the right place. They also adjust how fast the tether reels in or out. This is important for making the most power. Sensors on the aircraft send information back to the ground. This helps keep everything running smoothly.
How the Energy is Turned into Useable Power
Once the wind's movement is captured, it can be turned into many things. It can become electricity, heat, or even a pulling force. The most common goal is to make electricity. This electricity can then power homes and businesses.
Some systems use aerostats (balloons) to lift turbines high up. These turbines then spin and make electricity. Other systems use heavier-than-air devices like kites. These kites can either lift turbines or act as turbines themselves. Sometimes, a system uses both balloons and kites together.
A lot of research shows that "kite type" systems are very promising. They are a popular way to get energy from high-altitude winds. These systems often use wind turbines that hang from kites.
Where the Electric Generator is Placed
One big choice in AWE design is where to put the electric generator.
- Aloft Generators: Some systems have the generator flying high up with the kite or balloon. The electricity then travels down a special cable to the ground.
- Ground Generators: Other systems keep the generator on the ground. The flying device pulls a tether, which then spins the generator on the ground.
Some systems even use both! A small generator might be aloft to power the flying device's electronics. A larger generator on the ground makes the main power for homes.
Carousel Generators
Imagine several kites flying in a big circle high in the sky. They pull a giant generator that moves on a circular track on the ground. This is called a "Carousel" system. These systems could potentially make a huge amount of power. The bigger the circle, the more power they can create.
Aerostat-Based HAWP Systems
Aerostats are like large, lighter-than-air balloons. They can keep AWE systems floating high up. These balloons are often shaped to help them lift even more. They can carry turbines or help pull tethers to generate power.
- One idea is the TWIND system. It uses a large sail lifted by a balloon. This sail catches the wind and pulls a cable connected to the ground. This pulling force makes energy. When the sail reaches the end of its path, it changes shape to easily move back upwind.
- The Magenn aerostat is a special balloon that spins. This spinning helps it lift, and it has turbines inside to make electricity.
- The LTA Windpower PowerShip uses both a balloon and wings to fly. It floats almost neutrally, so it doesn't need a winch. Turbines on its wings make power.
- The HAWE system uses a spinning cylinder as its aerial platform. This cylinder creates a strong pulling force, like a kite. This force unwinds a cable and generates electricity on the ground.
Safety for Flying Wind Systems
Safety is very important for AWE systems. Engineers must think about many things:
- Lightning: Protecting the systems from lightning strikes.
- Aircraft Traffic: Making sure they don't interfere with airplanes.
- Visibility: Marking the systems and their tethers so they can be seen.
- Electrical Safety: Handling the electricity safely.
- Emergency Plans: Having procedures for unexpected situations.
Challenges for This New Industry
People have been interested in airborne wind energy for a long time. There was a lot of research in the 1970s and 80s. But when oil prices dropped, interest faded.
Today, AWE is getting a lot of attention again. This is because people want more renewable and sustainable energy. The main challenge is to show that AWE can make enough money to be worth the investment. It needs to compete with traditional wind turbines. Places like a test center in Lista, Norway, help check how well these new systems work.
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See Also
- Wind power
- Kite
- Aerostat
