Naval vessels fly a kite for energy efficiency

That old phrase ‘go fly a kite’ could take on an entirely new meaning when it comes to future energy efficiency.

A new project entitled Aeolus, run jointly between the Irish Naval Service, UCC, CIT, and the University of Limerick is testing innovative kite technology designed to harness food and energy resources of the sea.

Massive kites measuring 300sq m are hoisted high above naval vessels at sea, resulting in enhanced ship propulsion, increased energy generation and significantly improved surveillance capability 15 times over the normal range.