All you need is kites, kites, all you need is kites

[GregLocock]

Game changer: Mayo project uses kites to generate power

A project in Co Mayo is generating renewable electricity through the flying of kites, which its operator has described as a potential "game changer" in the wind energy sector.

www.rte.ie

OK, so you need a container sized system to produce 40 hp. Guess what I've got a system the size of a shopping bag that produces 40 hp. Taxpayer money-> fun project.

""We are like grown up kids playing with kites and it has never been so much fun," he said."

Yeah

 

[TugboatEng]

This system sounds a little more promising... until the end when the actual performance is listed as a dimensionless number with lots of soft language.

"Can result in a 20% reduction".

Seawing - Airseas

Our Seawing innovation uses the power of the wind to help the shipping industry move towards decarbonisation. Wind power as a solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with ships towed by our giant sail.

airseas.com

 

[LittleInch]

What's so bad about I ut 20% for what is actually quite a small system. Now the issue is how it only really works when the wind is blowing from behind you....

 

[TugboatEng]

20% is a dimensionless number. It doesn't mean anything.

They claimed the sail can make 100 tons of pull. If it can do that at 10 knots, we can calculate power contributes and correlate that to a real fuel savings. Alas, we will never see such numbers as they're likely not very impressive.