GLOBAL INNOVATIONS

Many countries have adopted wind turbine technology , but California-based green energy company Makani has a better idea . Purchased by Google in 2013 and backed by the ARPA-E office of the U . S . Department of Energy , the company aims to bring wind energy to the forefront of the market . Their ambition sails on the wings of the Energy Kite , a lightweight wind turbine designed to produce more energy using just a fraction of the materials .

Makani states that the Energy Kite operates from the same aerodynamic concepts as a standard turbine , but swaps tons of heavy steel for light yet durable electronics , software , and other state-of-the-art materials . The total material conservation is estimated to be 90 percent .

After launching into the air , the Energy Kite flies in large circles to harness power from turbulent winds . The rotors attached to the kite ’ s wings then power electricity generation . A durable , conductive tether , then transmits the energy to the storage grid . The kite ’ s built-in computer analyzes and adjusts the path based on multiple variables to fly in the optimum trajectories .

Overall , the Energy Kite can capitalize on stronger winds , operate in smaller areas , and outdo conventional turbines in both cost and benefit .

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