September 8, 2008
Applied Fiber Terminations "Fly" on the Discovery Channel

Applied Fiber is part of a new technology to use alternative energy sources. In the Discovery Channel episode of Project Earth - Infinite Winds, Applied Fiber terminations are a key component of a light weight tether system used to harvest the power of the wind.

A lighter than air wind turbine, developed by Magenn Power, was featured last night on the program that incorporates Applied Fiber termination end fittings on a tether built in coordination with Atkins and Pearce. The tether is made with high modulus Vectran fiber and copper conductor wires with terminations specially designed by Applied Fiber for this application. Combined, the cable and the Applied Fiber fittings make the strongest and lightest tether possible, a clear requirement for success of the system.

A steel tether would be far too heavy to be lifted the required 300 feet by the spinning helium air ship carrying the turbine generators. Instead the light weight high strength Vectran synthetic fiber was used. The cable itself was not good enough as it needed termination end fittings that provided optimum strength, low weight, and a versatile connection. Applied Fiber provided just that.

Applied Fiber developed resin infused termination end fittings made of light weight aluminum that could be threaded directly into an Applied Fiber designed Y-splitter box that connected to the two power generators on either side of the turbine. The strength required was enough to hold the weight of over 6 cars, which was featured in the Discovery Channel episode. The program compared a steel tether to the Vectran fiber tether. They successfully dangled six cars with their headlights on from the light weight tether while the comparable steel tether snapped at only three, dramatically crushing the cars one upon another.

The Discovery Channel series Project Earth tag line is "eight crazy experiments bold enough to change the world." This experiment was bold indeed as a single turbine when successful could generate enough power to supply a small town. If deployed globally, 9 million flying generators would provide enough electricity to power the earth and dramatically reduce fossil fuel emissions and its detrimental effects.

The innovative idea to harvest the wind in this manner is now closer to reality with help from Applied Fiber's innovative advances in synthetic fiber cable termination. A cable is only as strong as its end fitting and Applied Fiber's innovative termination technology allows for the highly efficient termination of light weight synthetic fiber cable helping the synthetic cable technology advance.

Applied Fiber is in the business of terminating all types of synthetic fibers including Vectran®, Kevlar®, Dyneema®, Spectra® , Technora®, Twaron®, PBO, and others. They are an innovative solutions provider for both high and low volume applications. Fittings are available in numerous materials and can be tailored to the specific application. With customers worldwide Applied Fiber supports many industries and applications including those in Commercial Marine, Military, Robotics, Forestry, Transportation, Safety, Fitness, Racing, Utilities, Aerospace, and Recreation among others.

Innovation is a core competency of Applied Fiber and that innovation in termination design made a solid contribution to the success of this project. To find out more please contact Applied Fiber today.