China Conducts First Successful Test of Airborne Energy Station

SadaNews - China successfully completed the first flight test of the massive airborne wind system S2000 in Yibin city, Sichuan province in the southwest of the country, representing a significant step towards the engineering application of high-altitude wind technology following the experimental phase.

The new system, known as the "airborne power station," combines a balloon platform and wind turbines in a single integrated unit, measuring 60 meters in length and 40 meters in both width and height.

During the flight test, the S2000 ascended to an altitude of 2,000 meters in about 30 minutes, generating 385 kilowatt-hours of electricity. It was also successfully connected to the electrical grid, becoming the first high-altitude wind power device to officially connect to the grid.

How does the system work?

Wang Hanke, co-founder and technical director of Beijing Linyi, explained: "Traditional turbines generate electricity by rotating their blades due to the wind, whereas generation here occurs in the air, and then the electricity is transmitted via suspended cables to the ground."

He continued: "We have achieved breakthroughs in the aerodynamic and structural design of these massive aerial vehicles, overcoming challenges related to transmitting high-density energy at medium-voltage direct current, while maintaining lightweight structures with higher transmission efficiency."

In addition to generating electricity for the grid, the system can carry specialized equipment such as communication devices and ground monitoring systems, making it a supportive tool for the low-altitude economy, according to a report published by Reuters and reviewed by Al Arabiya Business.

Environmental and Urban Advantages

Energy experts point out that the SAWES features:

- A simpler structure compared to traditional farms.

- Lower ground requirements.

- Reduced environmental impact, making it suitable for deployment in cities and urban areas.

A Future Step for Wind Technology

The success of the S2000 marks the first global achievement of its kind in connecting high-altitude wind technology to the electrical grid, confirming China's advancements in transforming airborne energy from the experimental stage to practical engineering application, with future potential for integration into urban energy systems and smart transportation.