Prototype of Flying Electrical Generator

A prototype of the Flying Electrical Generator is tested, first in powered flight mode, then in electricity generating mode. The rotors harnessing the wind power have a diameter of 4.6 metres (15 feet)

Find out more at: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn12355

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• flying
• electrical
• generator
• electricity
• new
• scientist
• newscientist

[eggaweb]

To prevent aircraft colliding with the cables, just set up a no-fly zone in the area where the turbines are operating. There are currently tethered balloons at similar altitudes with no-fly zones around them.

[222bored]

This is a test version, nothing more. The real thing would be *much* larger and stronger. The idea is that winds several thousand feet up are typically stronger and more constant, so flying this at those heights would make for more constant power. This is *not* for home use.

The rotors are powered by the wind (like a gyro kite) and are connected to generators.

[Cowcharge]

Can't wait to see those things crashing out of the sky.

[tylerdurden666able]

this video looks like its 50 years old, where the fuck is my free energy already!?

[intermender]

It's intresting that energy always seems to be where we are not. :D

[lblmer]

You are too much of a smart ass to take seriously.

[93tomb]

Or, indeed, use a 'Kelvin water dropper' to create a potential difference, no dams required, just two buckets and some copper wire.

[93tomb]

If you want to get more esoteric, build a giant glass house in bright sunshine. Cover the floor with a shallow pool of water, and make the surface black. Then collect condensation from the ceiling in a tank, and let it flow down pipes through a small turbine.

[93tomb]

@lblmer Why no dams? That is very limiting. How about Dinorwig in north wales? Thats more of a lake with pipes and a mountain, but even then I think they used dams, and its a bit of a stretch to say 'generates electricity', stores might be a better verb. But any high natural water reservoir could concievably be exploited for electricity, with enough piping, just let it flow down building up pressure under gravity and expel it through turbines. Good enough?

[usernamen0tfound]

I think its useing most of its energy just to fly!

[Agrmons]

Coś zbyt skomplikowane....!