China tests a giant flying turbine and it could revolutionize the energy world

China is the clear global leader in wind energy. The Asian giant, which tops many international rankings across different sectors, also holds the number one position in this type of energy production. Part of that leadership can be explained by one of its latest projects: a flying wind turbine that promises to solve many of the problems associated with land-based turbines.

The project began two years ago, and a new model has now been unveiled that surpasses the first prototype in both size and power. The aerostat, a turbine that transmits electricity to the ground through connecting cables, can float thousands of feet above the surface.

The latest model, the SAWES Type S2000 (developed by the startup Beijing SAWES Energy Technology Co., Ltd in collaboration with Tsinghua University in Beijing), is the first megawatt-class airborne wind power generation system.

Last January, the SAWES S2000 (Stratospheric Airborne Wind Energy System) carried out a test in Yibin, reaching an altitude of over 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) and successfully connecting to the electrical grid. During the test, its turbine generated 385 kilowatt-hours of electricity, enough to power an average American household for nearly two weeks.

Lighter and less disruptive

This latest model measures almost 197 feet (60 meters) in length and about 131 feet (40 meters) in height and width. It also contains 12 internal turbines capable of generating three megawatts of power.

Jianxiao Wang, an associate research professor of big data at Peking University, highlights the advantages of this technology compared with traditional turbines. “We use up to 90% less material than traditional wind turbines, we do not need massive concrete foundations, or a steel tower (or) disrupt the soil ecosystem,” he told CNN.

He also emphasizes its minimal visual and noise impact. “It is basically silent at ground level and creates a much smaller visual obstruction on the horizon.” In addition, it may have a positive effect on bird populations because birds can more easily avoid it compared with traditional wind farms. According to one study, wind turbines kill between 140,000 and 679,000 birds each year in the United States.

This turbine can also be used in locations where the terrain makes it impossible to install conventional turbines. One such case is currently being developed on an island in Guangdong province, where land space is limited and also environmentally protected.

The system also uses atmospheric modeling and artificial intelligence, allowing it to automatically ascend and descend in search of optimal wind speeds. It could be “suitable for power supply in remote areas, maybe off-grid energy and emergency power,” said Wang Lei, a company spokesperson.

Two challenges

One of the main challenges will be complying with aviation laws and the electrical grid regulations of each country. In the United States, for example, airships are subject to many of the same rules that apply to civilian aircraft, including airspace restrictions. Special permits are also required to fly above 500 feet.

Another factor to consider is that although wind energy is abundant, it is not evenly distributed around the world. Average wind speeds vary, as does average wind density, the metric used to determine energy potential.

What is clear is that investment in wind power must increase. According to the International Energy Agency, global wind energy growth would need to more than quadruple in order to achieve a net-zero energy scenario by 2030.

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