MARS Turbine

The Magenn Air Rotor System, or for short M.A.R.S., is a wind turbine that is supposed to be without a tower. It floats in the air, like a giant blimp.

The only thing, connecting it to the ground, is a 1000 feet long tether. The whole turbine rotates in a horizontal axis according to the direction of the wind. The whole turbine is designed to catch the constant high altitude wind. In other words, it basically works like a weather vane with a windmill attached to it.

A MARS turbine is of course designed more aerodynamically. Its rotation creates the Magnus effect which provides more lift to the turbine.

I won't go into detail what the Magnus effect is, just know that it's the same thing responsible for a curved ball in many sports. So next time your favourite sports team loses cause of a ball that moved like it normally shouldn't, you know why.

This turbine was originally designed for locations where setting up a traditional wind farm isn't possible: places with a harsh climate like an Antarc­tic research station or disaster areas that need quick access to power for emergency and medical equipment. No one ever thought to compare it to an original wind turbine. But they should, because it can compete with other designs any time.

High altitude winds are stronger than the kind you experience on the ground. But most important is the fact that high altitude winds are constant, which means this turbine will rotate and produce energy without any interruptions.