Kites Could Become Major Source Of Wind Power

Ariel Schwartz — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 07:00:30 +0000

The idea to use kites for wind power is nothing new, but a development at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands reminds us that we haven’t even begun to tap the potential of these flying contraptions.

A recent experiment performed by a team at the university used kites to create 10 kW of energy—enough to power 10 homes. This is a not a major breakthrough in and of itself, but the researchers plan to build a larger version of the project called “Laddermill” that would create 50 kW of energy. They eventually want to build a 100 MW version of their project. If successful, the expanded project would create enough power for 100,000 homes.

The kites are attached to a generator by a string. Power is created when the string is pulled and the generator turns as winds lift it into the sky.

“Huh, it Works” says Captain of First Kite Powered Commercial Ship

mcmilker — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 15:24:44 +0000

The commercial vessel, MS Beluga SkySails, sets sail with 10,000 metric tons of freight using a computer-guided kite to harness powerful ocean winds and reduce fossil fuel usage.

Comments from the crew…

“Huh. It works.” Captain Lutz Heldt just nodded approval.

Green Options » kite power

Kites Could Become Major Source Of Wind Power

“Huh, it Works” says Captain of First Kite Powered Commercial Ship