The PowerPlane by Ampyx Power: Low cost Airborne Wind Energy

The PowerPlane developed by Ampyx Power is a straightforward machine to harvest the stronger winds at 400 meter with a tethered aircraft. Propelled by the wind like a kite, the aircraft unwinds a cable from a ground based winch. The rotation of the winch drives a generator. When there is no more cable, the aircraft flies back towards the winch. This results in low tension in the cable, such that it can be retracted with minimal energy consumption. Due to stronger and more consistent winds at higher altitudes the PowerPlane realises much higher capacity factors compared to conventional wind turbines. Since the PowerPlane has no tower, it has lower installation & foundation cost, especially offshore. The PowerPlane requires 20% of the materials of a wind turbine, reducing the CAPEX significantly. Combined with lower environmental impact and low development cost, the PowerPlane will revolutionize the wind industry. Ampyx Power would like to thank Quince for developing this animation.

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Science & Technology

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• Wind
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