First megawatt-level 'windmill' airship set to generate power in China
6 hours ago
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- #wind-power
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- China is preparing for the flight test of the S1500, a megawatt-level floating airborne power generation system.
- The S1500 can generate power equivalent to a traditional 100-meter wind turbine by harnessing high-altitude winds at 1,500 meters.
- Helium helps the airship-like turbine reach optimal heights, with wind energy converted to electricity and sent to the ground via a cable.
- Wind speeds at 1,500 meters are roughly three times faster than on land, potentially increasing power output by 27 times.
- The S1500 features 12 carbon fiber micro-generators, with the entire system weighing less than 1 tonne.
- Developed in collaboration with Tsinghua University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this follows previous tests of the S500 and S1000 systems.
- The S500 reached 500 meters and generated over 50 kW, while the S1000 reached 1,000 meters with 100 kW output.
- Advanced safety measures for the S1500 aim for an operational lifespan of over 25 years.
- SAWES aims to eventually deploy floating turbines at 10,000 meters, where wind speeds are up to 200 times stronger.