China’s research into flying wind turbines reaches a milestone. For the first time, the system, which is reminiscent of a zeppelin, was able to exceed the megawatt limit. This brings a technology closer to market maturity that is intended to make wind energy more efficient at high altitudes.
Wind energy is one of the main pillars of the energy transition worldwide and already supplies a significant proportion of renewable energy. Since the beginning of the 2000s, installed wind energy output has been continuously increasing worldwide.
The cumulative global nominal output of wind turbines in 2014 was still 370 gigawatts. Just ten years later – in 2024 – the number had already increased to 1,136 gigawatts.
However, the conventional wind turbines that have been mainly used so far primarily provide energy from air currents close to the ground. However, these are comparatively susceptible to calm winds, which causes electricity generation to fluctuate greatly at times.
In contrast, so-called high-altitude winds promise significantly more constant and stronger wind speeds at an altitude of several hundred meters. Technologies such as flying wind turbines could make use of this potential that has so far been largely untapped and thus significantly increase the efficiency of wind power generation.
Engineers in China have now managed to break the megawatt mark with such a system. The flying wind turbine S1500 from the Chinese company Beijing Sawes Energy Technology was able to reach this milestone at an altitude of 1.5 kilometers.
This is China’s flying wind turbine
The flying wind turbine S1500 resembles a zeppelin and can use the energy of high-altitude wind currents. How Interesting engineering reported that the system successfully completed all tests in the Chinese region of Xinjiang at the end of September last year.
This included, among other things, complete assembly in the desert and repeated operations in strong winds. The flying wind turbine was able to continuously generate electricity at a height of 1.5 kilometers.
The system itself is approximately 60 meters long and 40 meters wide and high. According to the company’s own information, this is by far the largest airborne wind power generator ever built.
Since the S1500 wind turbine operates in the air, no foundation or tower is required for operation. This means that material consumption can be reduced by 40 percent.
In addition, the entire system can be moved within a few hours. It is therefore particularly suitable for deserts, islands or mining sites.
Twelve turbines generate energy from lofty heights
The S1500 system is a combination of a main airfoil with annular wings. These together form an air duct in which twelve turbines, each with a nominal output of 100 kilowatts, are installed. These turbines convert the high-altitude winds into energy, which is then directed to the ground via a cable system.
Because high-altitude winds are stronger and more consistent than winds at the Earth’s surface, high-altitude turbines could in the future generate much more electricity than traditional land-based systems.
They could also be used for rapid disaster relief. “The airborne platform can be launched quickly after an earthquake or flood to keep lights, radios and life-saving equipment running,” said Weng Hanke, chief technology officer of Beijing Sawes Energy Technology.
Also interesting:
