"Trampoline" Rig AWECS

A mega-scale horizontal membrane stretched like a trampoline between, say, three peaks or masts, will spontaneously resonate strongly in wind from any direction (unlike a single ribbon-wing set in one direction). Power can be extracted at each anchor, or conveyed to one location by pulleys and cables. The membrane is variably pre-tensioned to the expected harmonic.

Optimally the mega-membrane is "skeletized", with regions cut away so as to enhance resonance and save material, perhaps with a large circular hole in the center to form a triangular "ring wing", or possibly like a spider web of ribbon-wings. The membrane would be handled just like a sail, furled or swapped to suit conditions. Mega-scale kite-based versions are possible.

This could be a very high megawatt rated device.

CoolIP                       ~Dave Santos                 15October2011          AWE4482

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Terms and aspects:   

• Trampoline IMAGES   
• Skeleton 
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