Magenn Power Inc. plans to start manufacturing its Magenn Air Rotor System (MARS) in 2009/10 with a 10 kW to 25 kW MARS unit being the first one shipping. (No plans for a 4 kW MARS system at this time)
The reason for the delay is that it is took longer than anticipated raising the funds necessary to finish prototypes and get the product ready for market.
The price for the 10 - 25 kW MARS unit is yet to be determined but it is Magenn's design goal to deliver product at a cost between the $5 USD to $10 USD dollar per watt range.
Please email for more information; info@magenn.com or call at (613) 482-6558
Picture above shows the 10kW MARS alpha Prototype
Picture above shows the end plate with a 5 kW generator attached to one side.
Pictures above show 10kW alpha prototype MARS on a 350 foot tether.
The Magenn Air Rotor System (MARS) is a new generation of wind turbines with cost and performance advantages over existing systems.
MARS is a lighter-than-air tethered wind turbine that rotates about a horizontal axis in response to wind, generating electrical energy. This electrical energy is transferred down the tether for consumption, or to a set of batteries or the power grid. Helium sustains the Magenn Air Rotor System, which ascends to an altitude as selected by the operator for the best winds. Its rotation also generates the "Magnus" effect. This aerodynamic phenomenon provides additional lift, keeps the MARS device stabilized, positions MARS within a very controlled and restricted location, and finally, causes MARS to pull up overhead to maximize altitude rather than drift downwind on its tether.
The Advantages of MARS over Conventional Wind Turbines are:
- low cost electricity - under 15 cents per kWh
- bird and bat friendly
- lower noise
- wide range of wind speeds - 2 to more than 28 meters/second
- higher altitudes - from 200 to 1,000 feet above ground level are possible without expensive towers or cranes
- fewer limits on placement location - coast line placement is not necessary
- ability to install closer to the power grid
- mobile
- ideal for off grid applications or where power is not reliable.
Initial MARS Target Markets include:
- developing and island nations where infrastructure is limited or non existent
- rapid deployment (to include airdrop) to disaster areas for power to emergency and medical equipment, water pumps, and relief efforts (ex. Katrina, Tsunami)
- off grid for cottages and remote uses such as cell towers and exploration equipment)
- and military applications.
| Magenn Power Product | Model 10kW |
| Rated Power | 10,000 Watts |
| Size (Diameter x Length) | 30 feet by 60 feet |
| Shipping Weight | Under 3,000 lbs - depending on tether length |
| Volume of Helium | 33,000 cubic feet (approx.) |
| Tether Height | 400 ft standard - up to 1,000 ft optional tether length, in increments of 100 feet |
| Start-up Wind Speed | 2.0 m/sec - 4.48 mph |
| Cut-in Wind Speed | 3.0 m/sec - 6.7 mph |
| Rated Wind Speed | 12.0 m/sec - 26.8 mph |
| Cut-out Wind Speed | 25.0 m/sec - 53.7 mph |
| Maximum Wind Speed | 28.0 m/sec - 62.6 mph |
| Temperature Range | -40ºC /-40ºF to +45ºC/+113ºF |
| Generators | 2 x 5 kW |
| Output Form | Various Options Available: 120 VAC 60Hz - 240 VAC 50 Hz - Regulated DC 12-600V |
| Warranty | Up to 5 Years |
| Life Cycle | 10 - 15 Years |
| Price (USD) (Estimated) | TBD |
| Availability | 2009-10 |
MARS 10kW Performance
Estimated performance data is shown in the two graphs below. The Annual Energy Output range accounts for various non-standard wind distributions.
