New Delhi: China has successfully deployed a 5,000 square metre kite to generate power from high altitude winds while being tethered to the ground. The kite was lifted by a helium balloon and can operate in altitudes in excess of 300 metres. Two smaller 1,200 square metre connected kites were also flown in the test. This was the largest kite flown in the world for the purpose of power generation, and was developed by the China Energy Engineering Corporation as part of China’s push to generate power from high altitude winds. The engineers measured the tension of the kite, that is similar to a parachute, while it was deployed and figured out its opening characteristics.

China wants to build and design a ladder-like wind energy system, with kites reaching altitudes of 5,000 metres. Compared

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