We are working on a science project and try to engineer a power plant of a new k
ID: 1377144 • Letter: W
Question
We are working on a science project and try to engineer a power plant of a new kind. It is called Air HES (air hydroelectric station). The idea is described on our website.
Do you think it is possible to create such power plant? We already consulted some scientists (professors, etc), and most of them consider the idea realizable, with a few remarks. However, we still collect feedback, and we will be very glad if you have something to say about the physics concepts involved.
Air HES provides a downstream (water?
Explanation / Answer
While such a power plant is principally possible, I see several engineering issues.
A rough calculation shows me that your 20kW, 2km plant will have to disspipate 2,5 kW condenstation warmth, this could be an issue in cold air - though convection will cerntainly help here.
The engineering issues are: The hose has to withstand the wind drag on the balloon or kite -> heavier, bigger baloon
What happens in case of failure of one part, e.g. 3km of hose falling down?
Helium leakage (as indicated in one comment)
Freezing on the condensor, when it gets really cold
Freezing in the pipe
The hose has to withstand 200-300 bar at the lowest point - did your calculation for cost and weight take this into account?
My gut feeling as an engineer is that it wont happen soon. However, when I was doing the basic math on your proposed system, I was surprised at how small the amounts of water neccesary to achive some effect were.
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