A new potential obstacle and concern for aerial applicators is the development of “flying” wind turbines. This technology uses a “tethered kite” with the tether being the electrical conduit from the generator to the ground. The theory is that wind velocity is higher and more consistent at higher altitudes and this technology would take advantage of those characteristics. This poses great concern because of the “flying” turbine’s capability to literally lift from the ground as wind speeds allocate. Early last year NAAA submitted aerial application safety concerns to the FAA in an answer filed in response to its “Notice of policy and request for information” on potential effects of Airborne Wind Energy Systems (AWES) to the airspace.

 

Google is capitalizing on this new technology and touting a new airborne wind turbine device that a company executive described as a “long tether attached to blades” that generates power by flying in large circles. A benefit of this approach, the executive said, is that it would be “radically cheaper and easier to deploy than a normal wind turbine.” From the looks of this picture, the tethered apparatus seems like it would be exceedingly difficult to see from the air. Fortunately for ag pilots, the flying wind turbine from Makani Power is being considered more for offshore wind energy facilities than land use. Google recently acquired California-based Makani Power, which specializes in utilizing robotics for generating electricity. For more information on Makani’s airborne wind turbine, click here.