Benefits such as the steady flow and quick velocities of winds at higher altitudes are attracting researchers and investors alike

LONDON, Jan. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- High altitude wind energy, if developed and executed effectively, has the potential to replace a significant percentage of the power generated from oil and traditional wind turbines. Turbines in conventional windmills are located at heights ranging from 100 meters to 200 meters; however, wind flow is more consistent and quicker at altitudes above 500 meters. Therefore, winds at this altitude could act as a reliable source of energy that can be harnessed using kites, buoyant turbines and sails.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan, High Altitude Wind Energy - Visionary Outlook (http://www.frost.com/sublib/display-report.do?id=D6A8-01-00-00-00&src=PR), finds that the focus of ongoing research programs is twofold: tapping kinetic energy from high winds and enhancing generation techniques. Ground-based and airborne generators are the prototypes currently used in pilot projects.

For complimentary access to more information on this research, please visit: bit.ly/1nvCs6C.

"Several power firms are employing the yo yo concept of energy production, wherein kite- or balloon-mounted generators harness wind power mid-air, and then transmit it to the ground station," said TechVision Research Analyst Guhan Sriram R V. "A few have adopted power train-based methods in which the kite structure draws a powertrain across a circular track to generate power."

While the power generation procedures are sound, the nascent industry is still struggling to find ways to quantify and substantiate results to attract further investments. Actual outcomes in terms of power generation, market size and disruption potential remain unclear.

Publicising results from pilot projects and demonstrations could help companies evaluate the system performance against the promises made. In a field that is still in the research and demonstration stages and where most companies employ similar designs, this open approach will encourage innovations.

Funds from the governments of the United States, Italy, Germany and Switzerland are already aiding the development of new technologies. The involvement of premier research institutes such as TU Delft in Germany and EMPA in Switzerland will also be a game-changer in this space.

Apart from governments, the high altitude wind power market has drawn big investors such as Google and Mitsubishi. Prominent participants in the conventional wind turbines market too are showing interest in this area.

"If the performance of pilot projects in high altitude wind power systems validate the theoretical numbers provided by researchers, the industry will deploy commercial units in or post 2017," observed Sriram. "Subsequently, the technology will account for a significant share of the energy market post 2021."

High Altitude Wind Energy - Visionary Outlook, a part of the TechVision (http://ww2.frost.com/research/technology/sustainable-energy) subscription, offers a detailed account of high altitude wind technology in terms of generation techniques, cost and material usage. The study gives a snapshot of the industry value chain and a region-wise outlook of the market's future. It provides details of the key participants in the market as well as strategic analyst insights.

TechVision is a global technology innovation-, disruption- and convergence-focused practice of Frost & Sullivan that provides a variety of technology-based alerts, newsletters and research services as well as growth consulting services. Its premier offering, the TechVision program, identifies and evaluates the most valuable emerging and disruptive technologies enabling products with near-term potential. A unique feature of the TechVision program is an annual selection of 50 technologies that can generate convergence scenarios, possibly disrupt the innovation landscape, and drive transformational growth. View a summary of our TechVision program by clicking on the following ifrost link: http://ifrost.frost.com/TechVision_Demo.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants.

Our "Growth Partnership" supports clients by addressing these opportunities and incorporating two key elements driving visionary innovation: The Integrated Value Proposition and The Partnership Infrastructure.

The Integrated Value Proposition provides support to our clients throughout all phases of their journey to visionary innovation including research, analysis, strategy, vision, innovation and implementation.
The Partnership Infrastructure is unique as it constructs the foundation upon which visionary innovation becomes possible. This includes our 360 degree research, comprehensive industry coverage, career best practices as well as our global footprint of more than 40 offices.
For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organisation prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies?