TECH

Dutch develop wind farm with drones

The Netherlands is facing a critical time, trying to meet the goals of reducing emissions. After several years of low investment in renewable energy sources, the Dutch Aerospace Center and startup Ampyx Power joined the best scientists and presented a project for a new type of offshore wind farm that will use drones to produce electricity called the AP4.

What technology is involved in the AP4 project?

In a first phase, the idea is to develop a drone with an automatic control system that has the ability to fly, even with a strong gust of wind. In fact, this drone will use the wind to gain altitude. To lower the altitude, the drone will have the help of a cable rotating the drum that will be driven by an electricity generator.In order for the offshore wind farm to function effectively, the drone will have to reach a height of 450 meters in coastal areas where wind speeds usually reach higher speeds.

According to Global Energy World, this new type of wind farm aims to become an economic substitute for obsolete wind farms. In this way, a new wind farm can be installed on existing platforms and this will significantly reduce the AP4 cost.

Currently, the Netherlands offers a government program that ensures the continued development and implementation of sustainable methods that help produce electricity.AP4 has already received some funding from TKI Wind op Zee, a Dutch government organization that is dedicated to project financing for new wind power plants and aims to reduce the cost of building wind farms by about 40% by 2020.

The Dutch determination to produce renewable energy led Ørsted to launch the world's largest floating wind farm in September. This wind farm consists of 87 wind turbines, being located 19 kilometers from the British coast in the Irish Sea.With a capacity of 659 megawatts, this wind farm can produce enough electricity for about 600,000 British homes.Wind is an abundant resource in the Netherlands and the country is full of propellers to produce wind power, being known by windmills.

The Dutch government is struggling to obtain green energy and has also proposed reducing gas use in kitchens by 2050.

Renovave Energy Magazine