Comments on: Kite-like Turbines Could Capture Wind Above New York

By: bulder

bulder — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:51:01 +0000

Isn’t this idea already researched by Wubbo Ockels, former astronaut now prof. at Delft University in the Netherlands.

See video in link.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/video/2008/aug/01/electric.kite

By: Ray

Ray — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:42:39 +0000

Balloons could also be used to lift the generators. High voltage generators would require smaller gauge wire and be able to transmit the energy over the required distance. There are currently no fly zones that could be used where the ground populations are minimal.

By: Dan Fann

Dan Fann — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:31:27 +0000

I wonder how heavy it is what if it malfunctioned and came crashing to the ground

By: MK

MK — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 13:16:35 +0000

True, the high altitude winds are far more energy dense. Kites, such as the depiction, where the generator is on the kite and then needs transmission to the ground have weight/strength issues for the tether. Copper wires are heavy, and need insulation to prevent heating effects damaging the tether. Keeping the generating equipment on the ground makes more sense.

By: Francisco A Roque

Francisco A Roque — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:03:22 +0000

All I can say is ‘let’s go’ what are we waiting for?

If the wind pattern changes, place a few here and there so as not to be left just waiting for it to change back. Come on, go for it.

By: energysaverdave

energysaverdave — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 16:23:52 +0000

Eeek. Floating, flying things above NYC? Remember the Air Force One fiasco flying too close to the skyline and Statue of Liberty?

Aside from that, I think its a good idea worth exploring. But why not attach more traditional turbines to the skyscrapers we have there already?

By: Stan

Stan — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:48:51 +0000

A demonstrator would be nice. So far none of the sratopower ventures delivered any prototypes. But the idea is very promising.

By: Kyra

Kyra — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:31:32 +0000

I agree with comment number 1, aeroplanes will be a problem, but in a way this may kill two birds with one stone. Giving clean energy.

Making air travel more expensive as aeroplanes must doge more areas, (here’s the ramble) taking people back to cleaner travel (and maybe on the hippy view of things make people appreciation the journey more). It will also push more money in to boats, trains, etc; so that they may be able to research more economical ideas.

By: Juraj Golubcov

Juraj Golubcov — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 22:32:26 +0000

I want this happen as well. And I want it happen during my life..

By: Stacey Cotter

Stacey Cotter — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:32:06 +0000

I really like this and want it to happen.

By: James

James — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:12:56 +0000

The tethers might pose a problem with airplanes.