High-Altitude Wind Power

[Kuciwalker]

Originally posted by KrazyHorse
Rate of change of power? I can see using that to describe elasticity of a generation supply...

It seems to make more sense to describe elasticity in the range of powers it can produce, since electricity demand should be fairly predictable and you can always start ramping up production beforehand. That leaves kW/h fairly useless (though not completely).

[Zkribbler]

Originally posted by Krill
There's always fusion to aspire for...

Whooyah! Fusion!

[Blake]

I think this concept could actually be used on Gas Giants.
Basically, the anchor would instead have to float in the "seas" of the gas giant. Not unlike a sea anchor.

The generator would still get towed around the planet but it'd be anchored.

Bear in mind I'm using sea as an analogy only, but it stands to reason that there are denser layers with slower currents (or actually faster, it doesn't matter, all we need is a velocity differential) and at some altitude the anchor object's buoyancy will support it's weight.

Mind you I have no idea about the engineering or economic feasibility of this as opposed to other space/gas-giant based power sources. It might work for floating colonies, which could either be at the anchor, the flying bit, or both.

[Zkribbler]

By George, that might work. Remember, the bands on those two planets are merely different colored bands of atmosphere, rotating at different speeds.