Drones that are able to generate power from wind are gaining in popularity lately and are increasingly being tested around the world. A related project just received major support from a German utility company that is seeking to do a test project with the technology. They want to see if they might be able to use the technology in order to produce power at a lower cost offshore.
The German utility, EON SE, has been looking into this sort of technology for many years now and they believe that this could really be a game-changer in the market.
The design, which is still in its early stages, will have the drones remain airborne, like kites, so that they can tap the energy of high-altitude wind currents.
The wind would be able to push the drones forward and they would then tug at a cable that would be able to then drive the power turbine. There are a variety of pilot projects going on around the world at the moment that are testing this technology.
It's expected that this industry will greatly expand over the next few years and that we could start to see many of these projects pop-up by 2020. EON is looking to be one of the earliest adopters of the technology, and it's not that shocking seeing as Germany is already credited as one of the most progressive nations in the green energy market.
It is believed that this sort of wind generated power using the drones, is going to be much cheaper than traditional offshore mechanisms that you'd commonly find today. The foundation for common turbines that you'd find today can cost a tremendous amount, but with this version you wouldn't have those same costs. When compared to the old method, the drones are also alleged to have more energy-producing potential as well.
EON hopes to start testing by mid-2018.
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Sources:
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/flying-drones-that-generate-power-from-wind-get-backing/article_dee07879-013e-5d1b-b2d6-e1995ff4695b.html
http://www.pressherald.com/2017/04/11/flying-drones-that-generate-power-from-wind-are-starting-to-get-serious-attention/
http://www.theledger.com/news/20170412/flying-drones-that-generate-power-get-backing-from-eon
http://www.treehugger.com/wind-technology/twingtec-lightweight-kite-harvests-wind-energy-high.html