Flights are the fastest way to get around. But did you know that a long-distance trip produces more carbon pollution than citizens of some countries produce in an entire year? 

Since flights are a big part of our lives, JetWind, a Texas-based company has been working on harnessing wind energy generated by aircraft.

The company has demonstrated the ability to produce 65 megawatt-hours of clean energy annually from just one bank of its energy-capturing pods!

This new technology has already attracted the attention of numerous countries including the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Switzerland. Let’s take a closer look at what all the hype is about. 

"Wind Turbine In A Box"

The primary aim of JetWind is to take wasted man-made wind and create sustainable energy. According to Boeing, commercial planes produce hurricane-force winds at speeds of 150 mph, up to 200 feet away! 

The energy-capturing pods (ECPs) are strategically placed on the tarmac behind the airport gates. During landing or takeoff, the wind generated by the plane's engines can be absorbed by wind turbines located in the pods and converted to electricity that is then stored away.

The pod also has airfoils and solar panels built into it to help speed up the process of wind absorption. Another advantage of these pods is that they are modular and scalable, meaning that each pod can function independently while being able to scale depending on the nature of its environment.

Additionally, the pods were built to be an optimal, compact size, ensuring easy transportation and deployment in varying layouts. The biggest advantage is that it reduces stress on the power grids by generating energy locally.

Since 2021, the company has tested three prototypes at the Dallas Love Field Airport in Texas. After optimizing the pods for efficiency and flexibility, both parties have agreed to install thirteen pods over three years, five of which are already operational.  

In the Future

The Dallas airport has already integrated the power generated by the ECPs and the prototype has been tested 10,000 times! This wind can be used however the airport wants to, from charging electronic devices to electric vehicles. 

The city considers this one of the first of many steps to integrate renewable energy and environment-friendly solutions into its airport. It hopes that technology like JetWind’s pods will help to take pressure off of the energy grid while keeping us prepared for any possible energy shortages. 

In the future, JetWind hopes to establish a strong international presence and expand the usage of energy-capturing pods to various transportation sectors including heliports, trains, and roadways. It hopes to extend its applications to civilian infrastructure, military use, and more. The company founder, Dr. T.O. Souryal believes that the pods are still in their early stages of development, with a lot of improvement needed in upcoming years. 

This innovative technology and its application in different transportation sectors hold promise for the future of renewable energy! 

Sources: Interesting Engineering, Dallas News, Jetwind