World's largest airborne wind turbine completes test flight

The world's largest airborne wind turbine — the S1500 floating wind power system — has completed a series of scheduled tests in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region recently, marking the successful test flight of the world's first megawatt-class commercial airborne wind power system.

Developed by Beijing Linyi Yunchuan Energy Technology Co. Ltd., the power system features a main gasbag with a ring wing, which forms a giant duct that harnesses the stable high-altitude winds to drive the rotor. Equipped with 12 generator units each rated at 100 kilowatt, it flies into the air and transmits electricity steadily to the ground through tethering cables.

Compared with traditional onshore wind turbines, the airborne wind power system does not require the construction of large-capacity towers, but features a simple structure, which can save 40% of materials, and reduce the cost per kilowatt-hour by 30%. The system also has the ability to relocate quickly, making it suitable for deserts, islands, mining areas, and other scenarios.

The wind turbine will undergo multi-environment and multi-scenario testing across China, and it is expected to enter mass production and deliver its first units to users for grid-connected power generation by 2026, according to Dun Tianrui, CEO and chief designer of the company.

"We look forward to making airborne wind power an important component of affordable green electricity," Dun said.