High altitude wind energy from a hybrid lighter-than-air platform using the magnus effect

Abstract

This contribution describes a technology for harnessing energy from high altitude wind through a pumping cycle, in a two-dimensional vertical trajectory, executed by a hybrid lighter-than-air tethered rotating cylinder, which generates dynamic lift through the Magnus effect. The historical development of the concept leading to an operational cycle is described. Specifications of the current system are given and are used to extrapolate a multi-stack configuration of four cylinders yielding an average cycle power of 80kW in a pre-commercial unit. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.