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I did a research project on this. Aerial wind turbines have two key advantages over terrestrial ones: access to steady high-speed winds at altitude, and limite
by mLuby 5y ago
I did a research project on this.
Aerial wind turbines have two key advantages over terrestrial ones: access to steady high-speed winds at altitude, and limited ground footprint. But floating or flying imposes limits on their size and efficiency.
So they only fit niche uses in nomadic settings, like a temporary research camp. But then it's probably cheaper and more reliable to just use a fuel-powered generator.
Also they're a bit of a hazard to aircraft (and each other if not steerable), are more at risk to storms, and the floating ones require expensive or explosive lifting gas.
Too bad, because I think they're beautiful!