“Google-funded startup Makani has already proven that kites have value as an energy source. Now the GE-chartered Beluga SkySails cargo vessel has shown that kites—yes, those lightweight things you fly from strings—can act as propulsion systems on ships.
The vessel, chartered by GE’s Project Logistics team to carry power-generating equipment, boasts the first towing kite propulsion system for a commercial shipping vessel. The parasail-like kite attaches to the ship’s bow and pulls it through the water. The SkySails system can carry a load of eight to 16 tons—a number that is expected to increase to 32 tons by 2012 as the technology matures.”
via mikehudack:hilker:hippieflavor:Fast Company
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Is the kite pulling the ship or is the ship flying the kite?
That’s a philosophy question if I ever see one: Is the kite pulling the ship or is the ship flying the kite?
Science, Technology, Environment Well, I’d like to use this in my intro to my ‘Kiteflyers’ Philosophy’ that book that...
Ah they must have watched that ‘amazing’ movie Waterworld!
Who knew ships could use wind power? I imagine if...these you could go really fast. I’ve...
philosophy question if I ever see one:
In my head, the crew of the ship spends all day singing and dancing to this.
In addition to the recently announced Bloom Box, and this here muthaf**n KITES THAT PULL SUPER TANKERS (which is GE, but...
For some reason, this seems like...me. And other than
I was just thinking about this yesterday,...then bam, right in my tumblrfeed. With