Utilising high altitude winds

There is an enormous amount of energy hidden in the winds over our heads. At an altitude of 30,000 feet (9,000 meter), the wind energy is twenty times as large as at sea level. The “laddermill” is a new and novel idea to harness this immense energy resource.

The laddermill consists of a large number of kites on an upward and downward motion. The kites used are of a breed between regular kites and airplanes. Whereas a kite climbs relatively easy, getting a kite down requires a force pulling in the cable. An airplane, on the other hand, requires large engines to gain altitude. Decreasing altitude is much easier, as the aircraft can glide to the ground. The kites used in the laddermill, generally called “kiteplanes”, combine the ascension characteristics of kites with the descension characteristics of aircraft. By creating a large loop of kiteplanes ascending and descending, a rotation can be created. In turn, this rotation can be coupled to a generator to create energy. The loop of kiteplanes can ultimately go up to 30,000 feet, which would generate approximately 100MW.

The cable is an important part of the system and consists of strong fiber materials such as Dyneema. The kiteplanes themselves need to be both large in surface area as well as light in construction weight. Structural principles such as inflatables are being investigated. The control of the kiteplanes can be done by a pressure differential in the inflatable members. Its control will ultimately be automated using flight computers.

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OMA Plans Massive North Sea Wind Farm to Power Europe

Rem Koolhaas’ Office for Metropolitan Architecture announced plans for an incredible array of oceanic wind farms that may one day produce as much energy as the Persian Gulf. Dubbed Zeekracht (sea power), the masterplan comprises a massive ring of wind farms centered around the Netherlands that spans seven adjacent countries. By calling for such a large network of communal infrastructure and knowledge, the plan takes a giant step towards ensuring European energy independency by 2025.

Thanks to its high and constant wind speeds, shallow waters, and cutting-edge renewable industries, the North Sea is one of the world’s most suitable areas for large scale wind farming. OMA states: “The potential magnitude of renewable energy in the North Sea in fact, approaches that of fossil fuel production in the Persian Gulf states today.”

The firm’s Zeekracht masterplan calls for a massive communal wind power infrastructure focused in an ‘’Energy Super-Ring’ around the Netherlands. The plan’s components include a Production Belt, which covers clean tech research and manufacturing, and an International Research Center that promotes cooperation, innovation, and development. Since large scale fishing is impossible in the vicinity of a windmill field, the areas will also be effectively converted into nature reserves that shelter fish and other sealife.

Original article: Mike Chino. Inhabitat. 15 January 2009. Read more…