MARS (Magen Air Rotor System) is a lighter-than-air tethered wind turbine that uses helium to float at a higher altitude than traditional wind turbines. It was developed by Magenn Power and consists of a balloon, turbine, generator, and tethers. The wind turns the turbine which spins the generator to produce electricity that is transferred via tethers. MARS provides advantages over traditional wind turbines by being portable, lower maintenance, and able to access stronger winds at higher altitudes. However, limitations include high initial costs, needing to re-fill the helium balloon every six months, and not being able to operate in strong winds or near airports.

2. Presented By:
Ammar Anwar
University of Engineering & Technology,
Lahore.

3. MARS
(MAGENN AIR ROTOR SYSTEM)

4. INTRODUCTION
• MARS is a lighter-than-air tethered wind turbine that
rotates about a horizontal axis in response to wind,
generating electrical energy.
• This electrical energy is transferred down the 1000-foot
tether for immediate use, or to a set of batteries for later
use, or to the power grid.
• Helium sustains MARS and allows it to ascend to a
higher altitude than traditional wind turbines.

5. HISTORY
 Fred Ferguson (founder of Magenn Power)
patented the Magnus Airship in the 1980s.
 It won the Canadian Government Award of
Excellence in 1984. And the Philip Petroleum
Award for Science 1985.
 Magenn Power has built and tested several
small MARS prototypes in 2006, and 2007.

6. COMPONENTS
 Balloon
 Generator
 Wind Vane Stabilizer
 Ropes or Wires

7. Wind Vane stabilizers are used on both sides of the axis to keep
the device stabilized, and positioned within a very controlled and
restricted location

8. BALLOON, ROPES / WIRES

9. WORKING
 The wind turns the blades, which spin a shaft, which connects
to a generator and makes electricity. Utility-scale turbines
range in size from 50 to 750 kilowatts.
 The wind rotates the turbine at a speed of 30 to 60 rpm.
 A reduction gear box is provided to increase the speed to 1200
to 1500 rpm for the generator to produce electricity.
 The wind turns the turbine which spins the generator and the
electricity is generated.
 This electricity is sent to ground by the tether and can be
consumed readily, stored in batteries for later use or can be
supplied to grid.

11. LIFTING MECHANISM
 The Helium gas creates a lift force that is in excess of the
total weight of the system. The helium provides at least
twice the positive lift versus the overall weight of the
MARS unit.
 Additional lift is also created when the rotor is spinning in
a wind. The aerodynamic effect that produces additional
lift is called the Magnus Effect.
 Magnus Effect: This effect was discovered in mid-1800’s
that creates lift when a spherical or cylindrical object is
spun while moving in a fluid.

12. MARS 100kW Performance Specifications
Magenn Power Product Model 100kW
Rated Power 101,000 Watts
Size (Diameter x Length) 45 ft x 100 ft (plus blade height of 22 ft each)
Shipping Weight Under 13,000 lbs
Volume of Helium 200,000 cubic feet
Tether Height 750 ft standard - up to 1,500 ft optional tether length
Start-up Wind Speed 2.5 m/sec - 5.6 mph
Cut-in Wind Speed 3.0 m/sec - 6.7 mph
Rated Wind Speed 12.0 m/sec - 26.8 mph
Cut-out Wind Speed 24.0 m/sec - 53.7 mph
Maximum Wind Speed 30.0 m/sec - 67.1 mph
Temperature Range -40¼C /-40¼F to +45¼C/+113¼F
Generators 100 kW Total
Output Form
380 V 3 Phase 50 Hz, 480 & 600 V 3 Phase 60 Hz or Regulated
DC
Warranty One Year
Life Cycle 10 to 15 Years
Price (USD) (Estimated) $500,000 USD
Availability 2010-2011 (taking orders now)

14.  Extensive Infrastructure
 Greater handling and
transportation costs
 Location specific
installation
 Transmission losses
 2-d blades
 Cost factor
 No Extensive setup
 Less Noise
 Lower handling and
transportation costs
 Installed anywhere at all,
no location constraints
 Lower transmission loss
 3-d balloon
 40-50% cheaper energy
ADVANTAGES OVER WIND TURBINE

16. APPLICATION

17. LIMITATIONS
 MARS units cannot be installed within five miles of the
boundary of any airport.
 Initial cost is high.
 Helium gas leaks at a rate of 0.5 percent per month. The
drawback of the technology is that the balloon has to be
re-filled with helium every 6 months, seeing as the gas
leaks.
 Another disadvantage of floating windmills is that they
have to be taken down in extremely powerful winds,
whereas common wind turbines are simply shut down.

18. CONCLUSION
 This Kind of technology can reduce our Dependencies
on Fossil Fuels which are Depleting at a rapid rate.
 As there is no Pollution in this system Green Energy can
be produced which can reduce green house gases.
 As it can be near Demand centers cost on Power lines is
reduces
 If this technology is implemented it can eliminate power
problems of all Nations in coming years.