Theme: 3. Sustainability

Topic Area: 3a. Entrepreneurship in Sustainability

Background/Objectives:

Our planet is in desperate need of a utility scale renewable energy solution that is reliable, predictable, deliverable 24/7/365, and sustainable for decades. The concept of a "Downdraft Energy Tower" (DET) originated in 1975 by Dr. Phillip Carlson, professor at the Technion in Israel. The basic science was, and still is, solid and unrefutabled but in 1975 the necessary meteoroligical data were not available and the size requirements for the DET dimensions to render an economicaly efficient solution rendered the DET unconstructable.

Approach/Activities:

The objective was to select a site in a hot and dry area where the necessary weather data could be reliably researched. Next, a team of experts had to be assembled to evaluate and coordinate the scienfific evidence and convert the data into useful information applicable to the size requirements for the DET to produce a downdraft sufficient to sustain 24/7/365 air flows. Finally, the challenges of construction inherent to such a massive structure had to be addressed and the design/construction expertise needed to be added to the team.

Results/Lessons Learned:

The meteorological data, after analysis and scientific application, when matched up with the resulting wind velocities and the revelation of the available kinetic energy for extraction, resulted in an economocal solution for utility scale renewable energy generation which is reliable, predictable, deliverable 24/7/365, and sustainable for decades.

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Ronald Pickett

Biography