SKYSAILS – POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVE TO HORIZONTAL-AXIS, TRIBLADE WIND TURBINES?

SkySails is an expert in harnessing high-altitude winds for maritime needs; their cabled, flying wind power systems help defray fuel costs for cargo ships

That same technology will likely soon be used to harness elusive, high-altitude gusts for industry.

Currently in development, the SkySails Power System is destined for industrial wind farms and arrays. Although mobile onshore units are available, SkySails touts its floating offshore system as an economical solution to access high-wind areas located in deep waters.

The system’s five-components are modular, small and easy to mass produce, making for simple maintenance and quick installation.

Kites, vertical-axis wind turbines, and vertical-axis and horizontal-axis windmills are among the alternatives to the ubiquitous horizontal-axis, triblade turbines.

At present, in terms of efficiency, the horizontal triblade turbine is the frontrunner, but, it will be interesting to see how the SkySails Power System stacks up with high-altitude wind on its side.