MARS System - Generating Electricity From Wind

Most conventional forms of renewable energy generation systems that tap energy from the wind need wind speed in the range of 3 m/s to 28 m/s. This wind speed need, makes the system extremely unreliable as the average wind speed found through out the world is less than 3 m/s. This is where MAgenn Air Rotor System (MARS) has an added advantage. MARS can operate in the range of 1 m/s to 28 m/s. This means that it can be fitted almost anywhere in the world. The only places MARS system cannot operate efficiently are controlled airspace and places near airports.

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The Magenn Air Rotor System Unit consists of a wind turbine that is extremely light in weight. It has hollow air tight chambers around the unit. The whole unit is tethered to the ground, mainly to a power grid or an arrangement of batteries, with the help of light and insulated electrical cables. The cables are used for both, transferring electricity and holding the system to the ground. An inflate and deflate system is provided to induce and release helium from the system. The amount of helium can be adjusted by the inflation system in order to maintain the desired altitude of the unit. This allows the unit to elevate to higher altitudes than the conventional wind turbines.

The unit consists of at least two deflation systems in order to bring the unit safely down to the ground, in case the unit escapes from its mooring. There are flashing lights provided to indicate the position of the unit and also to indicate whether the unit is on or off. The whole unit is also covered with radar reflective material which reflects radar signals operating between the range of 200-2700 MHZ.

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Helium lifts the unit at the desired altitude along with the tethered and electrical cable system. The altitude can be adjusted with the help of the inflation system. When the desired location is reached, the wind turbine rotates about a horizontal axis in response to the blowing wind. As the turbine rotates, electricity is generated which is transferred through the electrical cables to a power grid or a series of batteries. Due to the rotation of the blades, an aerodynamic phenomenon is created which gives an extra lift to the unit. In case the system confronts an error, a signal is sent back to the ground and the system shuts down automatically.

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The advantages of this amazing system are many.The main ones are as follows:

• It produces electricity at a rate cheaper than 15 cents per Kwh.
• It creates negligible noise and is not affected by birds or bats.
• It can operate in wind speeds as low as 1m/s.
• It can operate at higher altitudes ranging from 200 to 1000 feet above the ground surface.
• Can be used almost anywhere.
• Can even be used to power islands and offshore platforms or infrastructures.
• It is extremely portable and can be easily transported and deployed at any place.
• Can be used in disaster areas to provide emergency power.
• It is also used in military purposes.

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