Google X is a secretive branch that handles many of their new research and development projects which purchased the new kite powered energy company Makani Power. The deal is coming just as Makani Power sends it robot kites on its first autonomous flight to generate power through its propeller turbines. Google is not stating how much it has paid to acquire Makani Power but before the acquisition it has invested up to $15 million dollars. In a statement on Makani’s website the deal would “provide Makani with the resources to accelerate our work to make wind energy cost competitive with fossil fuels“.
Currently wind power is generated through a fixed turbine to generate but Makani power has created a “flying wing” that is adorned with smaller turbines which can act as propellers to help the craft take off. According to Makani installing turbines on a wing is much more efficient because a large number of turbines can be built using les materials rather than a standard tower based turbine. Also if need be the wings can land on their own to avoid being damaged by high wind speeds and bad weather. Makani intends to send up small groups of six wings all anchored in a hexagon pattern. Makani just recently finished its test a 30 kW prototype and to see if the control mechanism would allow it to launch, hover, generate power and come down without the control of a human. Makani is hoping that the fully finished working model will be able to generate 600 kW and hopefully the cost of will be as equally competitive with off-shore wind farms.
Apparently the wing flying around in a circular path generates power and then transmits the electricity to the ground through a conducting core. Google X is the innovation branch of the company that looks for new ideas outside of its normal function. This department has brought such ideas like the self-driving car and Google Glasses.
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reporter
Park Sae-jin
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