Makani's energy harnessing kite could be the new source of energy for millions around the world. (Image Credit: Makani Power)
Alphabet's latest Makani energy kite project is turning into something much bigger. Recently graduating from the X-Moonshot factory, the company is in partnership with oil and gas giant, Shell to expand offshore environments to become its own Alphabet company. Makani is a project based on clean energy from the wind that doesn't use large turbine installations but still creates energy at utility-scale. Giant kites that appear to be like gliders are tied to ground stations and fly around in loops. Four propellers attached to the vehicle generate electricity that travels down the tether. Usually, these stations are tested on land, but due to its recent graduation, Makani will be brought to offshore environments with the help of Shell.
Makani doesn't need the support of large platforms to function at water depths greater than 50 meters. Two kites will be placed on a small buoy moored with a synthetic line and gravity anchor. The kites will soar in the sky at speeds of up to 100 miles per hour and pull cables that turn the drum, creating electricity. As one kite lowers, the other kite ascends, allowing electricity to be generated consistently. Cost reductions are made possible by the lighter electronics and smarter software. Shell will also be providing engineering and operational expertise with floating structures to make the transition possible. Harnessing energy from the wind in newer places also means more clean and affordable energy for everyone around the world.
They are not small! (Image Credit: Makani Power)
There is also potential in wind energy too. It can power the world 100 times over, but only 4% of electricity comes from wind. The Makani kite system has advances in aerospace engineering, materials science and autonomous controls. This makes it possible to build a lightweight design, making it easier to transport and install.
Makani has been testing, designing and building energy kites for over a decade. They began testing their current prototype in 2015, which is designed to transfer up to 600 kilowatts of electricity. That's more than enough to power up to 300 homes. Kite testing will continue in Hawaii, but Makani is now focusing on commercial scalability. It is one of the few projects that is still affiliated with Alphabet.
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