[LINK] Standards, please! The third coming of electric vehicles

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

Frank writes,

> Biofuels, natural gas, shale oil, and the like are simply
> a continuation of the 'world's worst practice'

Basically agree .. and, here's a new idea Link might like ..

'Wind turbine blimp aims to replace diesel generators'

By Tecca. Fri, Apr 20, 2012 http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/technology-
blog/wind-turbine-blimp-aims-replace-diesel-generators-220648427.html


Altaeros Energies, a Massachusetts-based company formed by MIT and 
Harvard grads, has aimed high — literally — in its quest to deliver power 
to remote, off-the-grid locations, creating a blimp that harnesses the 
power of the wind at 1,000 feet up.

The prototype (see above site video) is a large helium-filled shell that 
looks almost like a jet engine. Attached to a trailer on the ground, it 
automatically deploys itself 1,000 feet in the air (350 feet for its 
inaugural test flight) where a fan at its center is turned by the wind. 

At this altitude, the wind is not only stronger than at ground level, but 
also much steadier, resulting in twice the energy production of a 
traditional, pole-mounted turbine.

The electricity generated by the turbine is sent down to the trailer via 
the tether cables, where it can be used to power remote villages, 
military outposts, or anywhere that would normally have to depend on 
polluting diesel generators. When it's not in use, it can be 
automatically reeled in.

Altaeros Energies says it's more affordable than from generators that 
require a constant supply of gasoline, not to mention, greener. The 
company plans to develop a larger, sturdier version of the 35-foot 
dirigible for use offshore by utility companies.

--
Cheers,
Stephen