SUPER HIFHWAY

HYDROGEN

A SEMINAR REPORT

Submitted by

DEEPAK KUMAR

ROLL NO. 14EE16

In partial fulfillment for the award of my degree of

BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY

IN

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

At

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

MAHATMA JYOTIBA PHULE ROHILKHAND UNIVERSITY,
BAREILLY

i
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The seminar report on SUPER HIGHWAY HYDROGEN is outcome of guidance, moral

support and devotion bestowed on me throughout my work. For this I acknowledge and express
my profound sense of gratitude and thanks to everybody who have been a source of inspiration
during the seminar preparation.

First and foremost I offer my since phrases of thanks with intake humility to Miss VONITA
lecturer of IET MJPRU, Bareilly and guide of my seminar for providing help whenever needed.

DEEPAK KUMAR

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

M.J.P. ROHIKHAND UNIVERSITY

BAREILLY.

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 INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
MAHATMA JYOTIBA PHULE ROHILKHAND UNIVERSITY,
BAREILLY
DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the seminar entitled SUPER HIGHWAY HYDROGEN

is submitted by DEEPAK KUMAR bearing roll no. 14EE16 partial fulfillment of the
requirement for the award of the degree Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering of
I.E.T. M.J.P.R.U. Bareilly for the academic year 2017-2018.

Seminar coordinator Seminar In-charge Head of the Department

CONTENTS
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1. Introduction . . . .. . . .. . .. . .. . . . .. . . . . .. . . . .. .. .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . .. ....6
1.1. Wind Energy
1.1.1. Wind Power
1.2. History of Wind Power
1.3. Types of Wind Turbine
1.3.1. Horizontal axis wind turbine
1.3.2. Vertical axis wind turbine
1.3.3. Small wind turbine
1.3.4. Air bourn wind turbine
2. Air bourn wind turbine. . . . .. . .. . .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . . .. . .. . . . .. . .. . . . ...12
2.1. Types of AWT
2.1.1. Ground gen Air bourn wind turbine
2.1.2. Fly gen Air bourn wind turbine
3. Buoyant Air bourn Turbine. . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . .. . .. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . . 16
3.1. Introduction
3.2. Components
3.3. Advantages
3.4. Challenges
4. Wind power Location and availability. . . .. .. . . . . . .. . . .. . . . .. . .. .. . 24
5. Future scope and Conclusion. . .. . . . .. . . .. . .. . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . .. . .26
5.1. Future scope in India
5.2. Conclusion
6. Reference .. . .. .. .. .. . . .. . . .. .. . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . .. . . . . 28

ABSTRACT

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A Buoyant Airborne Wind Turbine (BAT) is a design concept for a wind turbine with a rotor
supported in the air without a tower. The airborne portion, or envelope, uses helium gas to stay
aloft, and is connected to a stationary ground system with a conductive tether. Aerostats have
been deployed for decades to lift monitoring and communications systems in some of the
harshest environments in the world. Thus benefiting from more mechanical and aerodynamic
options, the higher velocity and persistence of wind at high altitudes, while avoiding the expense
of tower construction or the need for slip rings or yaw mechanism. An electrical generator may
be on the ground or airborne.

1. Introduction
5
A Buoyant Airborne Wind Turbine(BAT) is a design concept for a wind turbine with a rotor
supported in the air without a tower. The airborne portion, or envelope, uses helium gas to stay
aloft, and is connected to a stationary ground system with a conductive tether. Aerostats have
been deployed for decades to lift monitoring and communications systems in some of the
harshest environments in the world. Thus benefiting from more mechanical and aerodynamic
options, the higher velocity and persistence of wind at high altitudes, while avoiding the expense
of tower construction or the need for slip rings or yaw mechanism. An electrical generator may
be on the ground or airborne. [2]

Airborne wind turbines may operate in low or high altitudes, they are part of a wider class of
Airborne Wind Energy Systems(AWES) addressed by high-altitude wind power and
crosswind kite power. When the generator is on the ground, then the tethered aircraft need not
carry the generator mass or have a conductive tether. When the generator is aloft, then a
conductive tether would be used to transmit energy to the ground.

Wind at high altitudes is almost constant and hence, is a vast energy resource than surface winds.
Since high altitudes have fast and more consistent wind blowing, Airborne Wind Turbines
(ATW) can generate more power compared to traditional wind turbines. Further, ATWs make
energy harvesting possible even at inaccessible locations, such as offshore, but at lesser
installation costs. Given these merits, the airborne wind energy industry is uniquely positioned to
contribute to the growth of the overall wind industry.

One major disadvantage is that bad weather such as lightning or thunderstorms can temporarily
suspend use of these machines, probably requiring them to be brought back down tothe ground
and covered. Some require a long power cable and, if the turbine is high enough, a prohibited
airspace zone. As of April 2014, no commercial airborne wind turbines are in regular
operation.[1][2]

1.1 Wind Energy -

Wind power is the use of air flow through wind turbines to mechanically power generators for
electricity. Wind power, as an alternative to burning fossil fuels, is a renewable source of energy,
produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, and uses little land. The effects on the
environment are far less adverse than those of non-renewable power sources.

Wind farms consist of many individual wind turbines which are connected to the electric power
transmission network. Wind power gives variable power which is very consistent from year to
year but which has significant variation over shorter time scales.

With the growing increase in the demand for alternate sources of sustainable energy worldwide,
wind power is gaining importance across the globe. Wind energy currently accounts for nearly
half of the clean energy produced worldwide and is predicted to grow 25% each year.[4]

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1.1.1 Wind Power

The most important part to exploiting the winds power is first understanding the wind resource
and how much energy it offers. The equation for power available in wind (Equation 1) is given in
Wind Power Explained.

1
P = 2 pAU3 (1)

Where is the air density, A is the cross-sectional area of the wind being considered, and U is
the wind speed. The important features of this equation, when comparing wind power harvesting
on the ground with wind harvesting at higher altitudes, are density and wind velocity. Air density
decreases with increased altitude. Wind velocity tends to increase with altitude. The wind power
equation shows that wind speed is extremely important to the amount of power produced because
power is a function of wind velocity cubed. The magnitude of this effect is seen when
considering that if wind speed is doubled, this results in eight times more power (23 = 8)! This
large dependence on wind speed is the driving factor for many as they attempt to increase wind
power production by seeking to tap the winds at higher altitudes. The reduction in power due to
the density drop with altitude also needs to be considered. Wind power generation is regarded as
high-altitude at altitudes above what can normally be harvested by a ground-based wind turbine.
Common large-scale wind turbines are about 80 m in tower height, so Airborne Wind Energy
can be from about 200 m to about 16,000 m. Jet streams tend to be the strongest between 6,000
m and 12,000 m. The density of air drops from 1.224 kg/m3 at sea level to 0.413 kg/m3 at
10,000 m. This density (at 10,000 m) is a third of the sea level density; thus, the power produced
at a given wind speed at 10,000 m would be a third of the power produced by the same wind
turbine at sea level. The change in density is approximately linear with altitude. So, at lower
altitudes the effect of density changes with altitude is fairly small. At 1,000 m, the density drops
to 1.111kg/m3 ; which is only a reduction of 9% from the density at sea level.

1.2 History of Wind Power -

The first windmill used for the production of electricity was built in Scotland in July 1887 by
Prof James Blyth of Anderson's College, Glasgow.Blyth's 10 m high, cloth-sailed wind turbine
was installed in the garden of his cottage and was used to charge accumulators, to power the
lighting in the cottage, thus making it the first house in the world to have its electricity supplied
by wind power.

In Cleveland, Ohio a larger and heavily engineered machine was designed and constructed in the
winter of 1887-88 by Charles F. Brush, this was built by his engineering company at his home
and operated from 1886 until 1900. The Brush wind turbine had a rotor 17 m (56 foot) in
7
diameter and was mounted on an 18 m (60 foot) tower. The connected dynamo was used either
to charge a bank of batteries or to operate up to 100 incandescent light bulbs, arc lamps, and
various motors in Brush's laboratory.

With the development of electric power, wind power found new applications in lighting
buildings from centrally-generated power. Throughout the 20th century, many people developed
small wind stations suitable for farms or residences, and larger utility-scale wind generators that
could be connected to electricity grids for remote use of power. Today wind powered generators
operate in every size range between tiny, up to giga watt sized wind farms that provide electricity
to national electrical networks.

1.3 Types of Wind Turbines

Listed below are the different types of wind turbines-[1]

1. Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT)

2. Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT)
3. Small Wind turbines
4. Airborne Wind Turbines (AWE)

1.3.1 Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine (HAWT)

Horizontal-axis wind turbines (HAWT) have the main rotor shaft and electrical generator at the
top of a tower. Small turbines are pointed by a simple wind vane, while large turbines generally
use a wind sensor coupled with a servo motor. Most have a gearbox, which turns the slow
rotation of the blades into a quicker rotation that is more suitable to drive an electrical
generator.

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 Fig. 1.1 Construction of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine

Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Advantages -

Variable blade pitch, which gives the turbine blades the optimum angle of attack. Allowing the
angle of attack to be remotely adjusted gives greater control, so the turbine collects the maximum
amount of wind energy for the time of day and season.

The tall tower base allows access to stronger wind in sites with wind shear

High efficiency, since the blades always move perpendicularly to the wind, receiving power
through the whole rotation.

Horizontal Axis Wind Disadvantages-

The towers and blades go up to 90 meters long are hence difficult to transport.

Tall HAWTs are difficult to install, needing very tall and expensive cranes and skilled
operators.

Massive tower construction is required to support the heavy blades, gearbox, and generator.

HAWTs require an additional yaw control mechanism to turn the blades toward the wind.

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1.3.2. Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT)

Vertical-axis wind turbines (VAWTs) are a type of wind turbine where the main rotor shaft is set
transverse to the wind (but not necessarily vertically) while the main components are located at
the base of the turbine. This arrangement allows the generator and gearbox to be located close to
the ground, facilitating service and repair. VAWTs do not need to be pointed into the wind,
which removes the need for wind-sensing and orientation mechanisms.[5]

Fig. 1.2 Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

Advantages of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT)-

They are Omni-directional and do not need to track the wind.

The gearbox of a VAWT takes much less fatigue than that of a HAWT. Should it be
required, replacement is less costly and simpler, as the gearbox is easily accessible at
ground level.
VAWT wings of the Durries type have a constant chord and are easier to manufacture.
VAWTs can be grouped more closely in wind farms, increasing the generated power per
unit of land area.
VAWTs can be installed on a wind farm below the existing HAWTs; this will improve
the efficiency (power output) of the existing farm.
Research at has also shown that VAWTs can have an output power ten times that of a
HAWT wind farm of the same size.

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 Disadvantages of Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT)-

The blades of a VAWT are fatigue-prone due to the wide variation in applied forces
during each rotation. This has been overcome by the use of modern composite materials
and improvements in design; the use of aerodynamic wing tips causes the spreader wing
connections to have a static load. The vertically oriented blades used in early models
twisted and bent during each turn, causing them to crack. Over time, these blades broke
apart, sometimes leading to catastrophic failure. VAWTs have proven less reliable than
HAWTs. Modern designs of VAWTs have overcome many of the issues associated with
early designs.
One major challenge is dynamic stall of the blades as the angle of attack varies rapidly.

1.3.3 Small Wind Turbines

A small wind turbine is a wind turbine used for micro-generation, as opposed to large
commercial wind turbines, such as those found in wind farms, with greater individual power
output.

1.3.4 Airborne Wind Turbines

Those Turbines which float in air, with a rotor supported in air, attached to a tether. Further

discussion on AWE is given below.

Fig. 1.3. Airborne Wind Turbine

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2. Air borne Wind Energy Systems
A basic introduction of Airborne Wind Turbines (AWE) has been given above.

2.1. Types of Airborne Wind Turbines

AWTs are generally made of two main components, a ground system and at least one aircraft
that are mechanically connected (in some cases also electrically connected) by ropes (often
referred to as tethers). The different types of AWES are
1. Ground-Gen-systems - In which the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical
energy takes place on the ground.
2. Fly-Gen-systems - In which such conversion is done on the aircraft in the air.

2.1.1 Ground-Gen Airborne Wind Turbine System

In Ground-Generator Airborne Wind Energy Systems (GG-AWES) electrical energy is produced

exploiting aerodynamic forces that are transmitted from the aircraft to the ground through ropes.
Among GG-AWESs we can distinguish between fixed-ground station devices, where the ground
station is fixed to the moving-ground-station systems, where the ground station is a moving
vehicle.

The different types Of Ground- Gen AWES (fig 2.1)

a) Leading Edge Inflatable (LEI) Kite.
b) Supported Leading Edge (SLE) Kite.
c) Foil Kite (design from Skysails)
d) Glider (design from Ampyx Power)
e) Swept rigid wing (design from Enerkite)
f) Semi-rigid wing (design from Kitegen)

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 Fig. 2.1 Different Types of Ground-Gen AWES

Working
Energy conversion is achieved with a two-phase cycle composed by a generation phase, in which
electrical energy is produced, and a recovery phase, in which a smaller amount of energy is
consumed.
In these systems, the ropes, which are subjected to traction forces, are wound on winches that, in
turn, are connected to motor-generators axes. During the generation phase, the aircraft is driven
in a way to produce a lift force and consequently a traction (unwinding) force on the ropes that
induce the rotation of the electrical generators. For the generation phase, the most used mode of
flight is the crosswind flight with circular or the so-called eight shaped paths. As compared to a
non-crosswind flight (with the aircraft in a static angular position in the sky), this mode induces a
stronger apparent wind on the aircraft that increases the pulling force acting on the rope. In the
recovery phase motors rewind the ropes bringing the aircraft back to its original position from
the ground. In order to have a positive balance, the net energy produced in the generation phase
has to be larger than the energy spent in the recovery phase. This is guaranteed by a control
system that adjusts the aerodynamic characteristics of the aircraft and/or controls its flight path

13
in a way to maximize the energy produced in the generation phase and to minimize the energy
consumed in the recovery phase.

2.1.2 Fly-Gen Airborne Wind Turbine

In a Fly-Gen AWES, electrical energy is produced on the aircraft and it is transmitted to the
ground via a special rope (called tethers) which carries electrical cables (fig 2.2). In this case,
electrical energy conversion is generally achieved using wind turbines. FG-AWESs produce
electric power continuously while in operation except during take-off and landing maneuvers in
which energy is consumed. Among FG-AWESs it is possible to find crosswind systems and non-
crosswind systems depending on how they generate energy.

Fig. 2.2 Different Types of Fly-Gen AWES

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Different types of Fly-Gen AWES
a. Plane with four turbines, design by Makani Power.
b. Aircraft composed by a frame of wings and turbines, design by Joby Energy.
c. Toroidal lifting aerostat with a wind turbine in the center, called BAT (Buoyant Airborne
Turbine), design by Altaeros Energies.
d. Static suspension quad-rotor in autorotation, design by Sky Wind Power.

Working-
a) Makani Power- This AWT takes off with the wing plane in a vertical position, driven by
propellers thrust. This flight mode is similar to a quad copter flight and rotors on AWT are
used as engines. Once all the rope length has been unwound, the AWT changes flight mode
becoming a tethered flight airplane. In this second flight mode a circular flight path is
powered by the wind itself and rotors on AWT are used as generators to convert power from
the wind. During this phase the cable length is fixed. In order to land, a new change of flight
mode is performed, and the AWT lands as a quad copter.
b) Joby Energy -The main difference between Joby and Makani is that the tethered airborne
vehicle is a multiframe structure with embedded airfoils. Turbines are installed in the joints
of the frame. In Joby's concept, the system could be adapted to be assembled with modular
components, constructed from multiple similar frames with turbines. The power generation
method and the take-off and landing maneuvers are similar to those of Makani concept.
c) Altaeros Energies/ Buoyant Air bourn Turbine - Another project based on flying wind
turbines in a stationary position has been developed by Altaeros Energies, a Massachusetts-
based business. In this case, instead of using wings lift to fly, they use a ring shaped aerostat
with a wind turbine installed in its interior. The whole generator is lighter than the air, so the
take-off and landing maneuvers are simplified, and the only remaining issue is the
stabilization of the generator in the right position relative to the wind. The aerostat is
aerodynamically shaped so that the absolute wind generates lift that helps keeping a high
angle of altitude together with the buoyancy force. After their energy production tests in
2012, Altaeros is additionally working on multiple rotor generators with different lighter-than
air craft configurations.

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Sky Wind power Inc.- A different kind of tethered craft called Flying Electric Generator (FEG)
which is similar to a large quad rotor with at least three identical rotors mounted on an airframe
that is linked to a ground station with a rope having inner electrical cables. Take-off and landing
maneuvers are similar to those of Makani's and Joby's generators, but FEG operation as
generator is different. Once it reaches the operational altitude, the frame is inclined at an
adjustable controllable angle relative to the wind (up to 50) and the rotors switch the
functioning mode from motor to generator. At this inclined position, the rotors receive from their
lower side a projection of the natural wind parallel to their axes. This projection of wind allows
autorotation, thus generating both electricity and thrust. Electricity flows to and from the FEG
through the cable. Sky Wind power tested two FEG prototypes. They claimed that a typical
minimum wind speed for autorotation and energy generation is round 10 m/s at an operational
altitude

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3. Buoyant Air bourn Turbine
Effective, economic power generation for rural communities and remote locations remains a
significant challenge. Current solutions focus on diesel power generation or renewable energy,
such as wind or solar. Diesel power is expensive, requiring regular refueling and renewable
energy is erratic with fluctuations in the wind and guaranteed periods with no sunlight. The
mandates of many governments across the globe to provide universal access to electric power
mean that global utility companies are striving to deliver economic solutions to remote and rural
populations.

3.1 Introduction
Altaeros autonomous tethered airborne platforms are designed to lift a lightweight wind turbine
up to 600m above ground, where winds are strong and consistent. At these heights, Altaeros can
deliver unprecedented value:

Generate over twice the energy output of similarly rated wind turbines
Sting flexibility, independent of ground wind patterns
Automated, reliable operation resulting in minimized logistics and support
Rapid installation out of standard shipping containers
Significant reductions in diesel generator fuel consumption
Contributions to renewable energy credits

Utilizing proven aerostat technology combined with Altaeros patented autonomous control
approach and innovative design, economic, clean power generation can be a reality rather than a
wish.

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 Fig 3.1. Covers high altitude wind

Most wind turbine manufacturers are competing to build taller turbines to harness more powerful
winds above 500 feet, or 150 meters. Altaeros is going much higher with their novel Buoyant
Airborne Turbine: the BAT. The Altaeros BAT can reach 2,000 feet, or 600 meters. Credit:
Altaeros Energies.
It's a balloon that lifts a wind turbine. That's the easiest way to describe the technology being
developed by Altaeros Energies, led by Ben Glass, inventor and CEO of the young company.
Glass has reimagined the possibilities of balloon and airship technology to lift a wind turbine.
The BAT's key enabling technologies include a novel aerodynamic design, custom-made
composite materials, and an innovative control system. The helium-inflatable shell channels
wind through a lightweight wind turbine. The shell self-stabilizes and produces aerodynamic lift,
in addition to buoyancy. Multiple high-strength tethers hold the BAT in place and a single
conductive tether transmits power to a mobile ground station.
The BAT's automated control system ensures safe and efficient operation, the highlight of which
is the capability to adjust altitude autonomously for optimal power output. The first BAT model
is approximately 15 by 15 meters, is containerized, and does not require a crane or foundation
for.

I. Aiming high

Most wind turbine manufacturers are competing to build taller turbines to harness more powerful
winds above 500 feet, or 150 meters. Altaeros is going much higher with their novel Buoyant
Airborne Turbinethe BAT. The Altaeros BAT can reach 2,000 feet, or 600 meters.

18
At this altitude, wind speeds are faster and have five to eight times greater power density. As a
result, the BAT can generate more than twice the energy of a similarly rated tower-mounted
turbine.

II. Reaching customers

Diesel generators are the standard in power generation for rural and off-grid areas. However,
diesel fuel is expensive to deliver to these locations, and diesel generators, though inexpensive to
install, are expensive to operate and maintain.
As a result, remote customers typically pay more than 30 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity.
The BAT has the potential to bring affordable wind energy to these communities and industries.
The first model will provide enough electricity for a small community.
Combined with significant increases in energy output and the ability to install the unit in 24
hours, the BAT substantially reduces the cost of energy and time to reach customers' energy
needs. In the future, Altaeros expects to deploy the BAT alongside first responders in emergency
response situations when access to the electric grid is unavailable.

3.2. Components
There are many components required in a Buoyant Air Bourn Turbine in which there are four
main component:

Tethers: Tethers are used to connect the shell and turbine to winches on the ground. Tether
control is manually adjustable to make turbine altitude variable, stabilize the turbine in the air,
and provide an electrical connection to send power from the turbine to the ground. Electrical
cables could also be used as a tethering material which could help reducing the additional weight
on the shell. Tethers needed to be as long as 1000-2000 feet to provide the turbine the altitude of
steady and powerful winds.

Ground Works: The ground work includes the setup of tethering control mechanism. Winches
on the ground shall be used to control tether length. After successful fabrication of Turbine, its
performance shall be observed and power output at various altitudes shall also be noted. To act
when the wind speed is very high or storm like conditions are occurring. To keep check on the
density of helium in the inflated balloon.

Rotor: Rotors are another key component of an AWE rotor system. Rotors are similar in design
to propellers except that the rotor is designed to convert the energy in the wind to mechanical,
rotational energy, while a propeller does the opposite. Rotors are essentially airfoils that operate
rotationally; therefore, all of the same principles of lift and other aerodynamic forces that can be
applied to wings are applicable to rotors.

Generator: These are divided broadly into two Direct current (DC) generators and alternating
current (AC) generators. Within the AC generators, there are two main kinds used in wind power

19
applications synchronous and induction generators. The key equations governing the
performance of induction generators are:

n = 120 f / Poles (1)

s = ns n / ns (2)

pgout = I2R RR (1 s)/ s +I2RRR +I2sRS (3)

Pgin = Prout Pmecloss = 3I2R RR ( 1 s )/ s (4)

Ngen = Pgout / P gin (5)

In these key equations, n is the rotational speed (Equation 1) of the generator, and s is the slip of
the generator (Equation 2). Ns is the synchronous speed of the generator. If the generator is
driven at a speed faster than the synchronous speed, then it results in power (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
generation (Equation 3). However, if the generator is going at a speed slower than the
synchronous speed, then the generator is operating as a motor. Next, f is the frequency of
alternating current. The number of poles that the induction generator contains is a design choice.
The efficiency (gen) of the generator (Equation 5) is the ratio of electrical power output (Pgout)
from the generator to the mechanical power (Prout) supplied to the generator by the rotor
(Equation 4). IR and IS are the current in the generator rotor and in the stator, respectively. RR
and RS are the resistance in the generator rotor and in the stator. The mechanical loss
(Pmechloss) represents the mechanical losses experienced in the shaft and in the gearbox
between the rotor and the generator. Considering this information will allow selection of a
generator appropriate for an AWE design.

3.3. Advantages
There are some advantages over ground based wind power or other fossil fuels that all of these
BAT approaches share. In the next section, the main advantages of BAT are:

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 i. Compared to fossil fuels, there is very little impact on the environment when harnessing
wind power through BAT. Wind power generation does not contribute harmful emissions
to the atmosphere, nor waste products outside of the energy and materials required to
manufacture the systems.
ii. For many, this is one of the most attractive features of wind power. According to Global
Assessment of High-Altitude Wind Power an analysis showing negligible climate effect
if Airborne Wind Energy extraction were employed at a scale comparable to total global
electricity demand.
iii. In addition to these advantages, because wind harvesting occurs at higher altitudes in
three-dimensional space and with higher power densities when compared to ground based
wind generation, there could be a very small land footprint.
iv. The high-altitude nature of the wind power generation means that it is bird and bat-safe,
unlike ground-based wind power that kills birds. This would make high-altitude systems
more acceptable to the public when compared with their ground-based wind turbine
counterparts. Located at a high altitude also has the benefits of reduced visual impact for
the public and for the DoD. With an AWE system running at a high altitude, systems will
appear very small.
v. A fifth advantage that the Buoyant Airborne Wind Energy could provide is power
generation portability. Since there is no requirement for a large and expensive tower and
foundation, these systems could be implemented at temporary sites. BAT systems could
be extremely useful in instances where power has been knocked out, such as emergency
24 or disaster relief efforts. And they would be invaluable to the DoD in remote locations
or many other situations, operational or supportive.
vi. Because the BAT is an advanced aerostat platform, it can be used to lift additional
payloads, such as weather monitoring and surveillance equipment. But perhaps the
most logical payload is Wi-Fi technology, In a remote village, we can put a Wi-Fi unit
up, outside the village, which is much higher than any traditional tower. That would
allow to cover six to eight times the area you would with a tower.
vii. As Airborne Wind Energy is so highly available across the globe, these high-altitude
systems could be placed relatively close to cities or bases. Since these systems are up and
out of the way, this advantage could help to bring the BAT resource near users. This

21
 feature of the BAT system could save on infrastructure and electrical losses typically
required for long-distance power transmission. Security for the public and for BAT
systems could also be enhanced over the security of ground-based systems. With shorter
transmission lines, there would be less exposure to potential vandals. The airborne
systems would also be well out of reach of most ground-based threats.
viii. One of the most important advantages of high-altitude systems is that the resource of
wind is plentifully available domestically. This is a benefit because there is a large drive
in public opinion to reduce dependence on foreign oil. But this is also a national security
issuethe less dependent the India is on other countries for energy, the more secure the
economy and energy availability will be for the country.

3.4. Challenges
As the Buoyant Air bourn turbine technology is new, thus it comes with many challenges and
limitations. But are the R&D are proceeding the challenges can be overcome. Here are certain
challenges:

1. One challenge for BAT systems when compared to ground-based systems are the
components, such as flying wind-rotors, that increase the level of complexity for BAT
systems. For example, the technology for low-weight, high-strength cables has recent
improvements that will make BAT more viable than it has been in the past. But low weight,
high-strength cables are not yet widely available, and remain semi-expensive.10 This makes
BAT systems more complex and, therefore, more expensive to operate than systems that are
simply sitting on the ground.
2. Also, a challenge would be to ensure compatibility with the DoD mission requirements; for
example, allowing aircraft operations may require the BAT system to be geographically
separated from the installation and within a certain safety distance from the base so that
cables do not pose a safety hazard.
3. As the BAT system has a shell filled with Helium gas, and the gas required to fill the shell is
significant amount of quantity. As the world is facing a shortage of Helium gas, thus the
price of helium gas is raising which will eventually rises the price of electricity production
through BAT system.

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4. One of the biggest problems with green energy sources, such as wind and solar power, is that
energy flow is intermittent. This means that there is always some period of time, even in the
best locations, where absolutely zero power will be produced. Even for BAT, the best
locations will still produce no power at least 5% of the time. Power intermittence is a major
problem for utility companies, even for devices like solar generators. If a company or
military operation has to have a fossil fuel power station or massive energy storage to act as a
backup for the wind power, then it drastically reduces any cost savings that the BAT might
provide.
5. Another concern is lightning striking upon systems that are in a higher altitude. This has to
be mitigated by either bringing down the high-altitude system during lightning storms, or by
designing it so that it can withstand the lightning strikes. This can be done: but it, too,
increases the expense and complexity of the system.

The challenges to the development of BAT are significant, but there do not appear to be
any obstacles that cannot be overcome by combining and applying current technologies.

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4. Wind Power Locations and Availability

Fig. 4.1 Wind Data in the month January

The wind power potential in Wind Speed Maxima (WSM) is dictated by how many square
meters of area perpendicular to the air flow can be swept by the AWE systems per square
kilometer of land.

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 Fig. 4.2 Wind Data in the month of July

These figures show global maps of 21-yr average Wind Speed Maxima (WSM) properties. Figs.
4.1 and 4.2 for January and July respectively.

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5. Future Scope and Conclusion
Though many innovative designs and ideas are patented under this airborne wind energy sector,
commercialization of the technology ideas has not achieved great success due to various
technology and regulatory challenges, space constraints, noise and aesthetics. A large number of
players in the airborne wind turbine industry are still in R&D phase, and a few others are in their
prototype stage. Some of the companies involved in AWT research have not protected their
intellectual property, while a few individual innovators and companies have patented their
technology, yet not commercialized their innovative ideas.[1]

5.1. Future in India

As of 31 January 2016 the installed capacity of wind power in India was 25,188 MW, mainly
spread across South, West and North regions. East and North east regions have no grid
connected wind power plant as of March, 2015 end. No offshore wind farm are under
implementation. However, an Offshore Wind Policy was announced in 2015 and presently
weather stations and LIDARs are being set up by National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) at
some locations.[5]

But, there are no Airborne Wind Turbines, no R&D either. Looking at Indias geographic
locations and wind power availability, India could be an optimal location to harness AWES. This
could definitely be happening in the days to come. The islands of Andaman and Nicobar,
Lakshadweep off grid areas of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar are the esteem locations to install
Buoyant Air bourn Turbines in India.

But the per unit cost electricity will be much higher then that of the conventional grid per
unit price. As the grid price falls between 4 6 Rs where the BAT energy prices would be
around 8 15Rs per unit. It will still benefits in the esteem location as this will be an alternative
to the diesel engines generator in those locations.

5.2.Conclusion
High altitude wind energy is currently a very promising resource for the sustainable production
of electrical energy. The amount of power and the large availability of winds that blow between
300 and 10000 meters from the ground suggest that Airborne Wind Energy Systems (AWESs)
represent an important emerging renewable energy technology. In the last decade, several
companies entered in the business of AWESs, patenting diverse principles and technical
solutions for their implementation. In this extremely various scenario, this paper attempts to give
a picture of the current status of the developed technologies in terms of different concepts,
systems and trends. In particular, all existing AWESs have been briefly presented and classified.

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The basic Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews generation principles have been
explained, together with very basic theoretical estimations of power production that could
provide the reader with a perception on which and how crucial parameters influence the
performance of a BAT.

In the next years, a rapid acceleration of research and development is expected in the airborne
wind energy sector. Several prototypes that are currently under investigation will be completed
and tested.

The benefits of Buoyant Air bourn turbine are tremendous as it operates at high altitudes, it
produces twice as much the power of a same rating system. And can be deployed in any remote
area for a long or short durations. It is truly a fortune for the developing world.

But with its tremendous benefits it comes with many challenges, challenge to minimize the cost
of system, as the cost of helium is increasing day by day, and due to the use of light weight
cables to transmit energy from the turbine to the ground, these cables are new and semi-
expensive. And the safety aspect of colliding of Helicopter and Airplanes with the system..

Despite of the challenges, of BAT are significant and promising project, there do not appear to
be any obstacles that cannot be overcome by combining and applying current technologies. The
advantages of the high-density wind power resource at high-altitudes provide the potential to
give tremendous returns to those who can innovatively overcome the challenges and produce a
competitive system. There are currently several researchers and companies that are trying to do
just that.

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6. References
1. Airborne Wind Turbines A Technical Report by Scope e-Knowledge Centre Pvt. Ltd.
July 2013
2. Airborne Wind Energy Systems: A review of the technologies
by - Antonello Cherubini, Andrea Papini, Rocco Vertechy, Marco Fontana
PERCRO SEES, TeCIP Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Bologna, Italy.
3. Airborne wind energy: Optimal locations and variability
by Cristina L. Archer, Luca Delle Monache, Daran L. Rife
College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716,
United States;
National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO, United States
GL Garrad Hassan, San Diego, CA, United States
4. Wikipedia.org-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_power_in_India
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airborne_wind_turbine
5. Open Energy Information
http://en.openei.org/wiki/Wind_energy
6. Turbines Info
7. http://www.turbinesinfo.com/types-of-wind-turbines/
8. Buoyant Airbourn Turbine
http://www.altaerosenergies.com/technology.html
http://news.mit.edu/2014/high-flying-turbine-produces-more-power-0515

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