In this latest sustainability initiative, DAL partnered with Dallas-based company to trial revolutionary technology that captures and converts wind generated from an aircraft into clean and sustainable energy.
JetWind made a splash in the industry and introduced this revolutionary concept at the Influential Airports Going Green Conference in Dallas in November 2017. According to their website, “The fundamental premise of this groundbreaking, patented Energy Capturing Pod (ECP) system is to capture man-made wind, generated from jet, train and auto usage, and to convert it into sustainable and environmentally friendly energy.”
Their team partnered with students and researchers from Southern Methodist University (SMU) and Clarkson University in the early stages of CAD modeling for the ECP generators that can withstand high-speed winds and perform as intended.
Wind that would otherwise be wasted can now provide clean energy while saving money and lessening stress on energy grids worldwide. Currently, DAL is the only airport in the United States, and possibly across the globe, testing the success of this leading-edge technology.
“This sustainable technology will transform the transportation and energy industries, not just aviation, and it’s been a pleasure working with Dallas Love Field’s forward-thinking team throughout this process,” said Dr. T. O. Souryal, Founder of JetWind Power Corporation. “I’m excited to see what started as a simple concept on an airfield, develop into a renewable energy game changer for businesses and end users,” he continued.
DAL is honored to be the home of JetWind and provide the space and resources required for research and development to continue this innovative system that has the potential to provide significant global benefits.
The ECP at Dallas Love Field is strategically located next to the control tower, opposite Gate 9. This ideal placement allows operators to test various factors of the ECP, including the amount of energy capable of being captured and the durability of the turbines against the wind blast delivered from an aircraft. DAL being a landlocked airport, provides the perfect atmosphere for the necessary testing.
“We are thrilled to be the only airport in the world testing the benefits of this technology, and we hope this partnership will positively impact the aviation industry exponentially,” said Patrick Carreno, Interim Director of Aviation. “It’s gratifying to see Dallas Love Field leading the aviation sector’s charge to decarbonize travel through our collaboration with JetWind Power Corporation. I am proud they chose our airport to assist with this innovation.”
The results of this pilot program have proven that the model successfully captures large wind gusts and converts them into sustainable energy. DAL’s environmental team is currently exploring ways to utilize the energy captured from the ECP to benefit the airport’s operations and passengers best.
By adopting sustainable practices like this, the airport makes strides towards achieving goals set forth by management to improve operational efficiency, protect the environment, enhance the airport passenger experience, support employees and stimulate economic growth. Minimizing the aviation industry’s environmental footprint protects valuable natural resources and makes great business sense for all parties.
