Unlike most nuclear fusion reactions, the fusion of helium-3 atoms releases large amounts of energy without causing the surrounding material to become radioactive. Much speculation has been made over the possibility of helium-3 as a future energy source. Some of the helium-3 found in the terrestrial atmosphere is also an artifact of atmospheric and underwater nuclear weapons testing. Helium-3 is also thought to be a natural nucleogenic and cosmogenic nuclide, one produced when lithium is bombarded by natural neutrons, which can be released by spontaneous fission and by nuclear reactions with cosmic rays. Helium-3 occurs as a primordial nuclide, escaping from Earth's crust into its atmosphere and into outer space over millions of years. Other than protium (ordinary hydrogen), helium-3 is the only stable isotope of any element with more protons than neutrons. Helium-3 ( 3He see also helion) is a light, stable isotope of helium with two protons and one neutron (the most common isotope, helium-4, having two protons and two neutrons in contrast). For the record label, see Helium 3 (record label). In the future, Altaeros expects to deploy the BAT alongside first responders in emergency response situations when access to the electric grid is unavailable.This article is about the isotope. The first model will provide enough electricity for a small community, or about a dozen American homes.Ĭombined with significant increases in energy output and the ability to install the unit in 24 hours, the BAT substantially reduces the cost of energy and time to reach customers' energy needs. The BAT has the potential to bring affordable wind energy to these communities and industries. However, diesel fuel is expensive to deliver to these locations, and diesel generators, though inexpensive to install, are expensive to operate and maintain.Īs a result, remote customers typically pay more than 30 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity. Credit: Altaeros Energiesĭiesel generators are the standard in power generation for rural and off-grid areas. Multiple high strength tethers hold the BAT in place and a single conductive tether transmits power to a mobile ground station. The helium-inflatable shell channels wind through a lightweight wind turbine, self-stabilizes, and produces aerodynamic lift, in addition to buoyancy. The key enabling technologies include a novel aerodynamic design, custom-made composite materials, and an innovative control system. The first BAT model is approximately 15 by 15 meters, is containerized, and does not require a crane or foundation for installation. The BAT's automated control system ensures safe and efficient operation, the highlight of which is the capability to adjust altitude autonomously for optimal power output. Multiple high-strength tethers hold the BAT in place and a single conductive tether transmits power to a mobile ground station. The shell self-stabilizes and produces aerodynamic lift, in addition to buoyancy. The helium-inflatable shell channels wind through a lightweight wind turbine. The BAT's key enabling technologies include a novel aerodynamic design, custom-made composite materials, and an innovative control system. As a result, the BAT can generate more than twice the energy of a similarly rated tower-mounted turbine. The Altaeros BAT can reach 2,000 feet, or 600 meters.Īt this altitude, wind speeds are faster and have five to eight times greater power density. Altaeros is going much higher with their novel Buoyant Airborne Turbine-the BAT. Most wind turbine manufacturers are competing to build taller turbines to harness more powerful winds above 500 feet, or 150 meters.
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