In the quest for cleaner and more efficient energy solutions, a team of researchers from the China Power Engineering Consulting Group Co., Ltd. has made significant strides in airborne wind energy (AWE) technology, particularly in parachute-based ground-generated high-altitude wind power. Their findings, published in the journal *Electric Power Construction*, offer a glimpse into a future where wind energy could be harnessed more effectively and at greater heights than ever before.
The study, led by LUO Bixiong and his team, explores the current status and prospects of AWE technology, focusing on parachute-based systems that capture wind energy at high altitudes where winds are stronger and more consistent. “This technology effectively captures and converts wind energy through the coordinated operation of aerial, traction, and ground components,” explains LUO. The team’s research outlines two main approaches to AWE systems: ground-gen and air-gen, each with its own set of technical challenges and development status.
One of the most compelling aspects of the study is the detailed analysis of the Jixi high-altitude wind power project in China. This project successfully demonstrated the feasibility of high-altitude wind power generation, producing kilowatt-level power at low altitudes and megawatt levels at altitudes over 5 km. “The Jixi Project proved the feasibility of this technology, which features scalability, high safety, and high resource utilization efficiency,” notes LUO. The project’s success highlights the potential for parachute-based AWE technology to revolutionize the energy sector by tapping into wind resources at altitudes over 1 km.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. In regions like China’s “Three North” areas, which are rich in wind resources, this technology could achieve megawatt-level power generation at an altitude of 1000 meters. By increasing the number of doing-work parachutes, the power generation capacity can be further upgraded, offering a scalable and efficient solution for renewable energy development.
As the world continues to seek sustainable energy solutions, the research conducted by LUO Bixiong and his team at the China Power Engineering Consulting Group Co., Ltd. provides a promising path forward. Their work not only demonstrates the feasibility of parachute-based AWE technology but also paves the way for future developments in the field. With the potential to capture wind energy more efficiently and at greater heights, this technology could play a crucial role in shaping the future of renewable energy.