S-type loadcells to capture high altitude wind energy

Zemic Europe: Omnidea uses Zemic S-type loadcells, assembly and transmitters in her project H.A.W.E. (High Altitude Wind Energy). This project focuses on a high altitude platform for wind energy conversion capable of varying the altitude at which the energy is produced. Also having no fans of any type in use; it produces energy from the aerodynamic forces acting upon an airborne airfoil-like craft. If connected to the ground through a tether cable, this apparatus can convert wind energy into electrical energy, in a completely new and innovative way. This type of construction allows a significant price reduction per unit of power installed as well as an easier implementation of the concept in off-shore applications (regardless of water depth). Omnidea is committed towards technological evolution and innovative thinking from state-of-the-art scientific knowledge.

The quality / service and price ratio from Zemic Europe convinced Omnidea to use the H3G S-type loadcells, S-type assembly such as hook and eye bolts in combination with a tranmitter to convert the mV/V signal into a 4-20mA signal to measure the pulling force of the HAWE Balloons.

How Omnidea uses S-Type loadcells

Omnidea uses the S-type loadcells to measure the pulling force of the balloon on the cable. 
Until now electricity production from wind has been derived exclusively from wind turbines, using only low altitude winds. Wind power is limited at low altitudes, as only 2% of the entire potential of windpower is used, as power density is much higher at greater altitude.
H.A.W.E. offers a radical new alternative to current wind generators.

S-type loadcell integrated in Omnidea Wind energy solution

With the H3G Loadcells, Omnidea is able to measure the pulling force of the High Altitude Balloons. 

• Alloy steel IP67 S-type load cell.
• Specially developed for tension and compression applications like this wind energy solution (HAWE).
• OIML approved
• Top-Sensors Transmitters

More about how it works; the Magnus effect

The Magnus effect, the operating principle of this platform, is a physical phenomenal occurring for rotating rounded-cross section bodies (cylinders, spheres), immersed in a fluid in motion. The rotation pushes fluid against the incoming fluid in the bottom part of the body and extracts fluid in the upper part of the body; this creates region of increased pressure in the bottom part and of decreased pressure in the upper part, thus generating aerodynamic lift. This force is, hence, dependent on the speed of the flow around the platform and the rotation of the platform itself, both parameters (speed of the undisturbed fluid, U and rotating speed, w) increasing the magnitude of the Magnus effect as they increase.

More about Omnidea

Omnidea is a group of engineers, actively engaged in the pursuit for “next generation” energy conversion systems. Reaching this goal requires:

• extensive work in the development of airborne structures,
• knowledge of unconventional means of propulsion
• a thorough understanding of energy transfer forms. to accelerate plant research all over the world with unique products.