ARPA-E held a convention in Washington where it encouraged people to create new innovating technology. They believe that technology should “swing for the fences.” Although some have already failed, there are some interesting models like Makani Power’s flying wind turbine. The Makani bird is grounded by a cable so that it can fly in a continuous circle. From passing winds of 10 to 15 miles, the Makani device is able to circle at 100 miles per hour. This is a great solution or places that do not generate enough wind because it is able to generate electricity with low wind levels. “Each propeller makes about 7.5 kilowatts of power.” It is said that the best location for this device would probably be the ocean because it would virtually only need a buoy. The ARPA-E have given a grant of $3 million to Makani.
Read more at: http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/28/energy-fields-long-shots-show-off-their-stuff/?scp=8&sq=wind%20energy&st=cse
Written by Jonathan Chang
Sustainability at PTS 