N
nexium
Guest
I just discovered www.skywindpower.com I was skeptical, but it now appears workable. It has been tested to 15,000 feet, uses 2 heliocopter blades, each 15 feet in diameter. The tether (I'm guessing) is two electrical conductors insulated for 50,000 volts.<br /> I presume 4 wire for three phase insulated for 1/2 million volts is needed for the 40 megawatt unit thought possible. Electric power is sent up the tether to fly the assembly part way to altitude, after which wind will pull the tether taut in a kite/autogyro fashion. The motors then become generators which convert 30% of the wind energy to electricity. Perhaps half the power heats the tether (I squared R losses) which hopefully prevents ice forming on the tether. 50,000 volt alternators may be available, but airborne transformers will be essential to produce 1/2 million volts. I'm guessing the tether is 1/3 longer than the altitude. Wind is typically several times stronger at high altitudes from 30 degrees latitude to 50 degrees latitude. An altenative is to use part of the power for a satellite type transponder which could provide long distance telephone and data links, up to about 100 miles in all directions. Please refute, embellish, comment and/or do detailed analysis. Neil