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kristopher

(29,798 posts)

16. I've always been fascinated with high altitude wind

Reply to Fumesucker (Reply #13)

Sun Apr 22, 2012, 12:28 PM

Apr 2012

But it isn't even on the radar as being a realistic technology to deploy. No, what we have that works is the horizontal axis wind turbine, and that is what Japan will be deploying. The only question will be what type of foundation is used. There are a number of competing designs emerging as we move into deep water with turbines that are (in the design phase) up to 15MW. Testing is underway for up to 10MW and the offshore size being deployed now ranges from 2-6MW IIRC.. Right now design is testing the cost effective limits of up-sizing and improved technologies, so I don't see any real change in the foreseeable future.

I do love the concept of high altitude wind though. Of course, I've always had my head a bit in the clouds anyway.

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Only *NOW* do the Japanese people learn that they didn't need nuclear for CO2 reductions. [View all] kristopher Apr 2012 OP

Japan has lots of wind. You'd think they would have gone that way a long time ago. MADem Apr 2012 #1

Japan, unlike the United States cares about their land and resources. RC Apr 2012 #2

You don't need to line every horizon to get a lot of energy out of them. And I think they are MADem Apr 2012 #3

I can think of 54 good locations for wind RobertEarl Apr 2012 #4

I added an article above about Japanese "floating" windmills, positioned on barges. MADem Apr 2012 #5

They'll make lemonade from their lemon RobertEarl Apr 2012 #6

I think America is getting the spirit. My glass is half full. MADem Apr 2012 #9

Why use barges when the turbine can use the water as a bearing? Fumesucker Apr 2012 #7

You'd have to ask them. Maybe they want to be able to tow them to where the wind is at different MADem Apr 2012 #8

At one time I built Really Big Stuff In the Water for a living.. Fumesucker Apr 2012 #10

Those Japanese are clever when it comes to engineering, though--I think they must have a "Big Idea" MADem Apr 2012 #11

Jackup rigs were one thing we built among other oil production equipment.. Fumesucker Apr 2012 #14

This is one of the concepts in testing now. kristopher Apr 2012 #17

The "Seatwirl" has a very, very limited future as a device to harvest wind. kristopher Apr 2012 #12

In that case then there are a number of flying wind generators that get the blades up nice and high. Fumesucker Apr 2012 #13

I've always been fascinated with high altitude wind kristopher Apr 2012 #16

The altitude doesn't even have to be that high.. Fumesucker Apr 2012 #18

Tell that to the people around the nuke plant that failed n2doc Apr 2012 #15