Blimps to spy on us, why not to catch power from wind

[havocmom]

http://www.magenn.com/

The Magenn Power Air Rotor System (MARS) is an innovative lighter-than-air tethered device that rotates about a horizontal axis in response to wind, efficiently generating clean renewable electrical energy at a lower cost than all competing systems.

Electrical power generated at the floating Air Rotor is transferred down the tether to ground level equipment. Depending on size of the Air Rotor, power is sent to users ranging from campers to large power grids. Helium (an inert non-flammable lighter-than-air gas) sustains the Air Rotor which ascends to an altitude for best winds. No towers or heavy foundations are necessary and sizes range from small "backpack" models to large megawatt generating devices.

Due to design simplicity, low capital & operating costs, and higher efficiency, MARS represents a paradigm shift from the standard wind turbines of today. Magenn Power will start a projected billion-dollar business through sales and licensing of its wind generators. Our first step is the development of a 4 KW prototype which the company will demonstrate in the latter part of 2006.

More at this link too:
http://www.redherring.com/Article.aspx?a=17029&hed=RH+100+N.A.+%e2%80%93+Magenn


Is this concept worth looking into? I think I want one.

[DRoseDARs]

1. I doubt the FAA would allow private ownership, but wind farms maybe ok. nt

[havocmom]

4. So, how high up does my own personal air space over a rural home go?

If I can build a windmill, how tall can I make it before the FAA gets on my ass? I wouldn't want a real high tethered blimp. Just a couple hundred feet would do it in the area I am thinkin...

[petronius]

7. According to the FAA, you can't operate a tethered balloon or kite

above 500 ft, and you have to notify the local tower if it is above 150 ft. Also, you can't fly anything at night unless it has approved warning lights...

[HysteryDiagnosis]

2. Ahhh.... but you may as well try and catch the wind..... n/t

[havocmom]

3. LOL Don't you dare go poet on me!

I count on you for solid, practical advice with a very human angle...Well, done best, that might just be poetic.

[Ready4Change]

5. Good for emergency response power, if nothing else.

Drive a truck into a disaster area, fill the blimp with helium, and you have power, right there on the spot. Very handy.

Could airlift a pallet in if the roads weren't usable.

[havocmom]

6. Good observation

I know some first responders in Montana who would LOVE a way to get power in remote areas.