The next two illustrations show the dimensions of the testing installation divided into an active phase and a second passive one. The calculations regarding power utilize the formula described in the “Physics” section

The first illustration below describes the factors required for the calculation of the energy produced by the wind’s push on the aerostatic module with its parachute open (active phase).

At an altitude of 200 metres, air has an average density of 1.2 Kg per cubic metre and, considering an average wind velocity of 6.7 metres per second, we reach a power of 180 watts per square metre of surface.

By multiplying 180 Watts by 70 square metres of parachute surface and by the aerodynamic coefficient, we obtain a value of 12.6Kw: the energetic potential usable by the system at an altitude.

In order to calculate the power produced by the active phase, we must multiply 12.6 Kw by the number of hours of wind activity present at an altitude of 200 metres and consider only 50% of that period (during half of that time, the module does not generate energy).

Power on a yearly basis is then 21.4 Mw/h. In order to derive the actual power generated by the installation, we must subtract from this value the energy required for the upwind recovery of the aerostatic module.

The following illustration describes the elements that determine the energy required for recovery.C alculating factors are the same seen before with the exception of an inferior exposed surface and an inferior aerodynamic penetration coefficient. With its parachutes closed, the aerostatic module offers the wind a convex surface, as in the spherical nature of the balloon’s shape to which it is attached.

The calculation quantifies as 1.7 Mw per year the energy required for the passive phase. The total power produced by the prototype is then equal to 19.7 Mw/h (21.4-1.7).

Considering that electric generator efficiency can vary between 93% and 97%, it can be estimated that a single aerostatic module with balloons of a diameter of 6 metres, positioned at an altitude of 200 metres, are capable of generating, on a yearly basis, between 18 and 19 Mw/h of power.