The global push for sustainable energy sources has never been more urgent. As we confront the realities of an increasingly erratic and volatile climate patterns and the need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, wind energy stands as a critical component of the solution. Yet, to maximise the potential of this clean energy resource, we need to think beyond the limitations of conventional wind power systems.

Traditional ground-based and near-shore offshore wind farms, while essential, face constraints. Wind is not always consistent near the ground, and suitable locations are becoming harder to find. Furthermore, existing technologies for measuring wind resources at high altitudes, where wind speeds are often significantly stronger and more consistent, are prohibitively expensive. These factors form a major barrier to progress in the wind energy sector.

The MiHAW project aims to shatter these barriers with an innovative, cost-effective solution for high-altitude wind measurement. The MiHAW system promises to transform the way we assess and harvest wind energy potential, unlocking vast new opportunities for investment and the development of next-generation wind technologies at altitudes where the wind is more constant, addressing part of the intermittency problem of wind energy.

At the heart of the MiHAW system lies a carefully designed helium-filled airship, built with safety and durability in mind. This airship serves as the anchor point for a series of specialised Wind Measurement Units (WMUs). Here’s a breakdown of the key components.

• WMUs: These units ascend the airship’s cable, each equipped with:

Our system addresses the key shortcomings of existing wind assessment solutions:

Drastically Lower Costs: Substantially reducing expenses compared to complex remote sensing technologies and acting as a ‘ground-truthing’ system for such technologies.

Unmatched Flexibility: The modular design allows for customisation to fit project budgets and specific height requirements.

Offshore Simplicity: Ease of deployment and operation in both shallow and deep-sea locations.

Multi-Purpose Potential: Applications extend beyond wind energy to climate modelling, maritime route optimisation, aviation logistics planning and more.

Unlocking Airborne Wind Energy: By providing crucial data, our system facilitates the development of airborne wind turbines and static energy harvesting, with the potential for lower material use, higher power yields and reduced electricity generation costs.

The implications of this project reach far beyond the wind energy sector:

• Informed Investment Decisions: Accurate high-altitude wind data will empower investors, developers and policymakers to make informed decisions, reducing risk and accelerating the development of promising wind energy projects.
• New Frontiers in Energy Production: This project paves the way for groundbreaking airborne wind energy technologies, potentially revolutionising the industry and offering significant advantages over traditional systems.
• Boost for Renewable Energy Mix: By making high-altitude wind energy a viable option, we enhance the overall diversity and reliability of the renewable energy mix.
• Contributions to Climate Action: Accelerating the transition to clean energy is crucial in the fight against climate change.

While MiHAW’s primary focus is wind measurement, the data it gathers holds the key to unlocking the full potential of high-altitude energy harvesting. Detailed knowledge of wind conditions will allow engineers to meticulously optimise the design parameters of airborne wind turbines or static energy harvesters. This includes critical elements like turbine size, material selection, generator specifications, and ideal positioning for maximum energy output. With accurate data serving as the foundation, these innovative high-altitude energy solutions can become not only feasible but highly efficient, thereby contributing to a more diversified landscape of renewable energy production systems.