In a bid to revolutionize the way we generate electricity, Volkswagen Group Charging and EnerKite have proposed an innovative idea to power mobile charge points with airborne wind turbines. This unusual proposal has been submitted for the federally funded ‘Technohyb’ project and could pave the way for sustainable, renewable energy sources.
Volkswagen and EnerKite are partnering in the ‘Autarkic Mobile Charging Infrastructure’ sub-project, with EnerKite responsible for providing flying wind turbines that are optimized for efficiency. According to EnerKite, their system could yield twice the annual energy when compared to traditional ground-lodged turbines.
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The technology concept is based on wind-catching kites that pull a rope. During the harvesting phase, the wing flies eight-shaped paths in the wind, producing large forces. The rope pulls from the drums of the ground station, setting them in motion. A generator then converts this rotation of the drums into electricity. As soon as the kite reaches the rope’s end, it glides back to its initial height, which the company claims is higher than any solid turbine. The tethers are rewound with minimal energy input, and the cycle repeats again.
EnerKíte is currently the highest-yielding airborne wind energy concept under development. According to their website, the company’s lead industrial designer, Christian Gebhardt, is a former world champion in speed kiting. He co-founded the company in 2016 with a crowdfunding campaign and is now working towards the first product stage, the EK200.
Commenting on the project, a spokesperson for Volkswagen Group Charging said, “We are excited to work with EnerKite on this innovative project. The potential of this technology is significant, and we believe it could help us move towards a more sustainable future. By using wind energy to power mobile charge points, we could reduce our reliance on traditional energy sources and help combat climate change.”
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This project is part of Volkswagen’s wider commitment to sustainability and carbon neutrality. By 2050, the company aims to be a net-zero-carbon company, and this project is a step in the right direction.
As we continue to explore new ways to generate renewable energy, innovative projects like this one will play an important role in shaping the future. With Volkswagen and EnerKite leading the way, we could be one step closer to a cleaner, more sustainable world.
