MARS
The Magenn Power Air Rotor System (MARS) is an innovative lighter-than-air tethered device that rotates about a horizontal axis in response to wind, efficiently generating clean renewable electrical energy at a lower cost than all competing systems. This electrical energy is transferred down the tether to a transformer at a ground station and then transferred to the electricity power grid. Helium (an inert non-reactive lighter than air gas) sustains the Air Rotor which ascends to an altitude for best winds and its rotation also causes the Magnus effect. This provides additional lift, keeps the device stabilized, keeps it positioned within a very controlled and restricted location, and causes it to pull up overhead rather than drift downwind on its tether.
All competing wind generators use bladed two-dimensional disk-like structures and rigid towers. The Magenn Power Air Rotor system is a closed three-dimensional structure (cylinder). It offers high torque, low starting speeds, and superior overall efficiency thanks to its ability to deploy higher. The closed structure allows Magenn Power to produce wind rotors from very small to very large sizes at a fraction of the cost of current wind generators.
The Magenn system concept is deployment-flexible. Large MARS units may be deployed to supplement established grid systems supporting the electrical requirements of large urban areas. Small MARS units would be deployed in emergency, as-needed, and/or mobile applications (e.g., pack version deployed by a hiker, motorist, boater, or for military and emergency response applications). Various in-between sizes would be ideal for farms, houses and cottages located where grid power is nonexistent. Small to medium sized systems could also be air-dropped into disaster areas for emergency electrical power for medical and all other uses. 
The distinct advantages of the Magenn Air Rotor System design are as follows:
- Magenn Air Rotor System is less expensive per unit of actual electrical energy output than competing wind power systems.
- Magenn Power Air Rotor System will deliver time-averaged output much closer to its rated capacity than the capacity factor typical with conventional designs. Magenn efficiency will be 40 to 50 percent. This is hugely important, since doubling capacity factor cuts the cost of each delivered watt by half.
- Wind farms can be placed closer to demand centers, reducing transmission line costs and transmission line loses.
- Conventional wind generators are only operable in wind speeds between 3 meters/sec and 28 meters/sec. Magenn Air Rotors are operable between 1 meter/sec and in excess of 28 meters/sec.
- Magenn Air Rotors can be raised to higher altitudes, thus capitalizing on higher winds aloft. Altitudes from 400-ft to 1,000-ft above ground level are possible, without having to build an expensive tower, or use a crane to perform maintenance.
- Magenn Air Rotors are mobile and can be easily moved to different locations to correspond to changing wind patterns. Mobility is also useful in emergency deployment and disaster relief situations.
These points are mutually inclusive. The advantages above combine to make Magenn the most cost-effective wind electrical generation system.
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MARS 100kW Performance Specifications
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| 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) |