Mobile Wind Energy with Tethered Wings for Off-Grid Applications
TwingTec is currently working on new wind energy technology that has the potential to unlock so far unused wind energy resources. The concept relies on a tethered wing which flies like a kite to harness the energy of wind. This enables access to winds at higher altitudes, which are typically stronger and more constant. No tower or foundation is needed, leading to an order of magnitude mass reduction compared to conventional wind turbines. The system can be containerised allowing for easy deployment. A first prototype has been built and tested. A product concept for a 100kW mobile wind energy system has been developed which addresses the needs of the off-grid market. Long-term systems in the megawatt range could contribute significantly to the global energy market.
By Dr Rolf Luchsinger, Co-founder & CEO, TwingTec AG, Switzerland
Wind turbines have become very successful over recent decades. According to the Global Wind Energy Council more than 63GW of new wind power capacity was installed in 2015 with an annual growth rate of 22%. Nevertheless, only a small fraction of the global energy supply is produced from the wind. In order to meet the renewable energy targets set by various nations significant efforts are needed. One way to accelerate the energy transition is to introduce new technologies. Such technologies have the potential to unlock so far unused resources.
