Introducing the Altaeros BAT: The Next Generation of Wind Power

[Major Nikon]

[loudsue]

1. I love what they say, too, about bringing power to remote areas, and disaster relief.

If it really works with that kind of efficiency, that would be so exceptional! In fact, I want one.

[Major Nikon]

2. I'm a bit skeptical of their efficiency claims

The winds at 1,000-2,000' aren't all that much stronger than surface winds and fixed turbines are typically installed in optimum locations like on a long, high ridge. I suspect fixed turbines are going to have much more efficient impellers and generators due to the weight restrictions of going airborne. However, there are several advantages which make this system very attractive for a number of applications.

[AdHocSolver]

5. IIRC, aren't winds aloft steadier and less turbulent?.

The problem I see with this system is with thunderstorms.

How would updrafts, downdrafts, and lightning be dealt with?

[Major Nikon]

7. Generally, yes

The worst turbulence will be found high aloft or in certain mountainous terrain and I've gotten smoother rides in my normally aspirated bug smasher than you'll get on any commercial flight. But in general the air gets smoother and more predictable the higher you go.

I see this more as a fair weather thing.

[tclambert]

8. Thunderstorms? Let's see, the conductive tether would attract lightning, and would melt

so thing would fly free until eventually crashing. In other words, if lightning threatens, reel the thing in. Or defend it with a ring of golfers.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

3. Looks like it would work great on Mars too.

[AdHocSolver]

4. Individuals and small companies innovate.

Large companies stifle and suppress innovation.

K and R.

[byronius]

6. I wish they had an answer for the California problem -- bird deaths. Currently, that's the rub.

High enough, I suppose, would be the answer. I was hoping they would mention it.

[nilram]

9. One quibble

Where they say,

"For the first time, affordable wind energy can be deployed to the furthest points of the earth."

This kid already deployed affordable wind energy in Niger.

https://www.ted.com/talks/william_kamkwamba_how_i_harnessed_the_wind

If they'd said "affordable, large-wattage wind energy," I'd have no issue. Looks to be potentially awesome for disaster relief.