Renewable energy production contributed 18.5 percent of the earth’s total electricity in 2018. This was mainly generated from the hydroelectric power systems. Fast forward to 2019, the figures have already increased to upwards of 25 percent. The data from the International Renewable Energy Agency showed that this increase was due to the mass installation of wind, and solar energy power generators.

Among the most recent entries in the harvesting of wind energy is the Airborne Wind Energy Systems (AWES). It uses a combination of the light harness, and drones in the place of the high end massive rotors of the conventional wind turbines to generate power. AWES uses two unique generation schemes, the ground generation, and fly generation schemes. To ensure the success of these systems, AWES uses a combination of popular disciplines like aeronautics and electrical engineering to design their electric powered machines, aeroelasticity as well as control mechanisms.

For the ground generation and fly generation schemes, AWES employs tether tension forces to make an electrical generator mounted on the ground to move. Additionally, the fly generation scheme also makes use of the wind turbines attached to the drones to generate electrical energy which is then conducted to the ground via a conductive tether. Through these devices, AWES uses less costly materials, and installation services to work at over 500 meters altitude. At these heights, the forces of wind are stronger, and less sporadic, something which ensures regular production of the electric power.

This system is also a better alternative for individuals living in remote locations which are more challenging to access. This is made simpler by the fact that AWES uses a more straightforward transportation means with limited visual impacts.

Finally, while the use of wind energy is not a relatively new concept, the introduction of drones to help in electricity production has given it a new dimension. This is in line with the vision of moving over to cleaner, and the more greener world through the help of the renewable energy sources. We can expect to get more electric power with these inventions, and if the predictions from IRENA are anything to go by, in 2022 the total amount of renewable energy produced in the world could soar to over 30 percent. It’s therefore only a matter of time before energy generation shifts from the conventional methods, to more reliable, renewable and clean sources.