Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it is the world’s first flying wind turbine, and it will definitely beat conventional solar and wind technologies. If you are wondering how this could be, then hold on to your pretzels, folks, as this German start-up’s innovative design will blow you away! Pay attention, as you could have 100 kW of power floating in your backyard. Thanks to this pioneering green technology’s design, wind energy and the entire renewable industry will never be the same again!
New and innovative renewable technology designs are needed
The human population has expanded exponentially, with the global greenhouse gas emissions following suit. Greenhouse gases include nitrous oxide, methane, water vapor, and carbon dioxide. According to Climate.gov, in 2024, the average global carbon dioxide levels reached a new record high of 422.7 parts per million. Simply put, this means that climate change has been progressing much faster.
The simplest answer to mitigate the effects of climate change is to lower the total global carbon footprint, which is why many people from across the world have turned to renewable energy solutions. Some of the most common solutions include wind and solar power, but even they have their disadvantages. Solar power has limited efficiency and output due to weather dependency. Traditional wind power requires vast space, causes visual pollution, and is costly.
Thankfully, a German start-up has engineered an innovative wind turbine design that is unique, powerful, and beats all traditional designs.
The world’s first flying wind turbine
Ever heard of Kitekraft? If you have not, then you will soon. The German company was founded in 2019 and, since then, has highlighted its dedication to mitigating the effects of climate change with its technology. In December 2022, Kitekraft secured $1.6 million in funding, which will be utilized to engineer a grid-connected, larger product to demonstrate how it provides the grid with power.
What is this innovative design that could revolutionize the industry? Kitekraft has created the world’s first-ever small flying wind turbines. This particular turbine design will beat all solar and traditional turbine designs, as it has a power output of 100 kW at a maximum tested wind speed of 20 m/s.
How it works
- A multicopter drone with wings (kite) is attached by a rope to a ground station
- The kite is made from aluminum and carbon, and flies horizontally in circles or figure eights
- The kite comprises small wind turbines and produces most of its power through the propellers
- The rope is integrated with electric cables, which transmit the produced power
This innovative design is about more than just its power output
According to the company, the flying turbines’ ropes are 150 m in length and span 10 m. The advantages of these turbines are quite impressive, and include the following:
- Utilizes 10 times less material, saving costs
- Landscapes are less affected
- Decreased visual pollution
- Operates in stronger winds at higher altitudes
- Increased applications
Applications
- Farms
- Municipalities
- Grid operators
“Cost savings of more than 50% are possible compared to other sources.” – Kitekraft blog
The Kitekraft team plans to develop systems for grid feeding and microgrids, and aims to scale up to 500 kW and eventually into megawatts. Test systems are being flown near Oberhaching and Otterfing, with the local communities and authorities keeping an open mind.
The company will be integrating a protection system into their flying wind turbines as well, as they unfortunately share a disadvantage with traditional turbines: These turbines have an impact on the surrounding birdlife. Hopefully, the protection system will be as effective as the overall performance of these flying wind turbines. Innovative technologies such as these play a crucial role in reaching carbon neutrality and thus lessening the effects of climate change. Soon, a great power could be flying in your backyard.
