Capturing jet engine wind to generate electricity

Wind turbines enclosed in modular cages, to convert jet-generated wind into renewable energy. They run autonomously thanks to solar panels and can also be used for trains and cars. A single turbine could produce up to 300 MWh of electricity per year at large airports, reducing traditional energy consumption

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There are places where wind is not only predictable but also follows strict patterns. The basic idea behind this new method is simple: tapping the energy produced by jet engines. With the use of the wind produced by airplanes, airports can use it to produce electricity to be used inside terminals.

Energy Capturing Pod

The idea was conceived by Dr. Tarek O. Souryal, a surgeon who developed the concept more than 20 years ago. He proposed tapping airplane-generated wind using Energy Capturing Pods (ECPs), cage-like systems with wind turbines. Since jet engines travel as high as 373 mph, they are a relatively energetic source.

The Energy Capturing Pods are able to capture maximum energy. Each pod is scalable and independent. Additionally, two 550W solar panels are included in each cage to support the system so that each unit operates independently without any external power source. Each generator can produce up to 2 kW.

The energy produced by the pods is electricity that the airport no longer needs to obtain from the grid. It can be distributed to any location within the airport to power electric vehicles or smart devices.

Last December, the first Jet Wind Pods were being installed at Dallas Love Field Airport to capture wind off airplane jet streams. An 18-month test pod was at the airport that witnessed over 10,000 flights. Those statistics were gathered to assist in calibrating the newer models.

Beyond airplanes

The company that invented the technology, Jet Wind, desires to move its revolutionary system out of airports, utilizing artificial wind generated by cars and trains and converting it to renewable energy.

Human activity generates vast amounts of wasted energy every day, says Dr. Souryal. With over 100,000 flights taken worldwide with over 10 million travelers, much of this energy is lost into the air.

One wind turbine such as the one pilot-tested at Dallas Love Field could produce as much as 300 MWh of electricity annually if used at a large airport like Los Angeles International Airport.

Source: JetWind

Mangroves, essential for coastal protection, act as sentinels of the sea, preventing erosion and absorbing carbon. Their conservation is crucial for biodiversity and coastal safety.

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Mangroves form the natural bulwark against cyclones, erosion, and sea level. But while we restore them it may not quite be so excellent as we hope. There’s a different and better method for Indian scientists.

The need for coastal protection

The last few months put the imperative for coastal protection right in the spot light. In October, Cyclone Dana struck India’s east coast with 75 mph winds, affecting over 4 million individuals and causing $72 million in damages in the Odisha state alone. Worldwide, Hurricane Milton ravaged Florida with 120 mph winds, generating 41 tornadoes, killing 24 individuals, and leaving estimated damages of $34 billion. Just two weeks earlier, Hurricane Helene had claimed over 200 lives. In Southeast and East Asia, Cyclones Gaemi and Yagi took nearly 1,000 lives this year alone.

It isn’t isolated: floods and tropical cyclones accounted for 85% of the world’s costliest climate-connected natural disasters in 2023. As ocean waters warm, these high-impact events become increasingly prevalent and intense, and coastal defense is not just a possibility, but a necessity.

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The temptation to mass-plant

Faced with the climate crisis, many governments have turned to big-scale mangrove planting as a temporary solution. The United Arab Emirates, for instance, has pledged to plant 100 million mangroves by 2030. But the numbers tell a different story: in Kenya, only 30-32% of planted mangroves survive, while Sri Lanka’s survival rate has been a gruesome 3%.

The scientific method that works

West Bengal State University botany professor Dr. Krishna Ray is demonstrating that a better option exists. Her method is founded on three key principles:

Preparation of soil: Instead of mangroves directly being planted, the first action is to cultivate grass on the nude lands. It naturally adds nutrients to the land.
Selecting the correct species: Not all mangroves are created equal. Some will grow in saltier water, while others like milder water. Soil salinity mapping is critical to choosing the correct species.
Allowing nature to do its thing: After the proper conditions are established, nature takes care of the rest. Ocean currents bring new seeds naturally, and creatures like crabs and shrimp assist in creating a healthy and diverse environment.

The results speak for themselves

In Tamil Nadu, one specialist grower, Narendran Rajendran, achieved a 90% survival rate using similar scientific methods. His mangrove thickets are now so dense in seven years that they are practically impassable.

Preserving what is already present

A critical consideration is presented by Dr. Punyasloke Bhadury’s work in the Sundarbans: instead of sowing new mangroves singly, it is necessary to protect and restore old, mature mangroves. Mangroves between 25-30 years are more robust and can rejuvenate in two years, while newly sown mangroves take 15-20 years to become as robust.

Why should we care?

Mangroves are more than just natural weather buffers. They are powerful “carbon sinks” that can slow climate change. They also support local economies through the provision of fish, honey, and other traditional industries.

India’s experience is evident: in restoring the environment, quality beats quantity. A scientific and localized approach—one that respects nature’s cycles—can be the key to success or failure in protecting our coastlines.