Jun 15 2013
The electricity from our sockets could soon come from a high-tech device flying in the sky. The innovative research project to generate wind energy with the aid of a kite won over the “Venture Kick” jury; it is providing CHF 10,000 of support for the Empa spin-off “TwingTec”.
Image: The TwingKite is based on Empa’s Tensairity technology.
A kite, a reel and a console. These are the components of a pioneering new method for generating energy. The research and development project being carried out by Empa, the University of Applied Sciences Northwest Switzerland, the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich) and the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), combines the basic concept of a kite with innovative technology. The aim: to make electricity from the wind. That in itself is nothing new; electricity is already being produced by wind turbines, yet these only reach heights of around 100 metres. With the “Twing” from Empa, stronger and more regular wind currents at up to three hundred metres are “tapped”. A key component of this is the Tensairity structure, which is being studied and developed by Empa’s “Center for Synergetic Structures”.
Dual success
“Venture Kick” is convinced that kite power is not just an idea, but can also be economically viable. The programme, which supports start-ups, is investing CHF 10,000 in this innovative project. Projects can receive up to CHF 130,000 during the three-stage “Venture Kick” process; the Twingtec team has now cleared the first hurdle. In a further step, the idea is being further developed and subsequently re-evaluated with active support from experienced entrepreneurs. This innovative approach has also met with widespread interest in the media. For example, “ServusTV” and the Swiss science programme “Einstein” presented detailed reports on the kite’s first successful test flight.