Lower capital costs

Ampyx Power has calculated the capital costs for the PowerPlane system to be about half of the costs for a conventional wind turbine of comparable power rating. This is caused by the lower material cost due to the smaller size of the airplane in comparison with the turbine rotor, the lack of a tower construction, the cheaper drive train and the less expensive foundation.

More feasible locations

Many inland locations do not have enough wind for conventional wind turbines to operate at a profit. The PowerPlane system operates at a higher altitude where the wind is stronger and more consistent. This enables operation at a positive return on investment in many locations where conventional wind turbines are not profitable. Furthermore, the PowerPlane system parts are smaller and of lighter weight than the extreme size of the blades and tower of a conventional wind turbine. This simplifies installation at many less accessible locations.

Large offshore potential

The tower construction on the seabed for a PowerPlane system only needs to be elevated at a safe height above the waves on the water surface whereas a conventional wind turbine needs a much higher tower. This results in a much cheaper tower construction and foundation on the seabed. Also, this enables profitable operation in deeper water which increases the number of feasible offshore locations. Furthermore, maintenance costs for offshore PowerPlane systems are lower due to the smaller height of the installation.

Higher capacity factor

Analysis of historic wind data from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute KNMI in the Netherlands shows that, due to their higher altitude of operation where wind is more consistent and of higher average velocity, PowerPlane systems can operate at a 60% capacity factor whereas conventional wind turbines operate at an average of 30% capacity factor.

Less Visibility, Noise and Shadows

Noise
The noise generated by a conventional wind turbine in operation is mainly caused by the high airspeed of the tips of the rotor blades. In comparison, the PowerPlane system flies at a lower airspeed and therefore produces less noise. Also, the PowerPlane system operates at a higher altitude which results in lower audibility on the ground.

Visibility
Many people feel that conventional wind turbines pollute the skyline. The visibility of the PowerPlane system is much smaller due to the lack of a tower construction. Also, the wing surface of the PowerPlane system is much smaller than the rotor surface of a conventional wind turbine at equal power rating. The visibility is further reduced by the higher altitude at which the PowerPlane system operates.

Shadow effects
The rotating blades of conventional wind turbine cause shadow effects on the ground. Residents experience these shadow effects as being an annoyance. Since the wing surface of the PowerPlane system is much smaller than the rotor surface of a conventional wind turbine at equal power, it causes less shadow effects. Apart from that, the intensity of the shadow effect on the ground is much smaller due to the higher altitude at which the PowerPlane system operates. Finally, the autopilot of PowerPlane system can adjust the flying patterns such that the shadow effects on the ground are no cause of hindrance to residents.