TEDxFlanders - Reinhart Paelinck - Kite Wind Energy Researcher

Ever since he made his first steps on the beach, Reinhart Paelinck has been fascinated with 'flying' objects. As a child he built dozens of single line kites in all possible colors and shapes, gradually evolving towards the design of power- and surf kites in 2005.

In 2010, he graduated Cum Laude from the Product Development department at Artesis University College in Antwerp. His master dissertation 'Kite Power' merged all his interests into a single theme. Today, he participates as a PhD student in the Kite Power research program at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.
Why listen to him?
Following the disaster in Fukushima, the world is more than ever focused on finding durable alternatives to both fossil fuels and nuclear power. Wind and solar power have become widely accepted as realistic substitutes. Current wind power generation relies on rigid supporting structures and is limited to altitudes up to 200 meters. Wind at higher altitudes is significantly stronger and more persistent.
To access this major potential of renewable energy, the Kite Power research group is developing a new technology to extend the economical scope of windpower in off-shore and remote locations. Reinhart Paelinck is helping to shape the future of airborne wind energy.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Belgium
• English
• TEDxFlanders
• design
• climate change
• sustainability

[stevenbeukie]

too bad the presentation isn't shown in the movie all the time...

[karloyt]

Well done, Reinhart. I'm wondering why the lights were waving and they didn't always show to us too what you showed to the audience.

PS: What about the video recordings of AWEC2011? :)

[Yarouse]

zeer interessant copain!

[ApothekeruitdeHaan]

Wat een pak volk , zeg... Ik begrijp je nervositeit. Toch goed verwoord.

[AGLEB87]

something tells me there must be a better way!!! I really doubt this is feasible

[Shadeprint]

4:47 Bad 9/11 joke!