Hi Doug, your comment mostly concerns SAWES. So I reply on the relevant topic.
One of the most important functions of the blimp is to protect the contained wind turbine. This helps prevent damage during takeoff and landing, and during collisions between units within a farm. This is a positive point for both Altaeros and SAWES. Thus, the blimp has two essential functions: permanent aerostatic lift and protection. A third function is increasing the efficiency of the turbine by duct or shroud effect. These functions could be achieved using a simplified torus-shaped blimp.
Now the disadvantages of the blimp could outweigh the advantages. However, with or without a blimp, it should be noted that the onboard wind turbine (including in the form of rope-drive Kiwee) is the closest thing to traditional wind power for AWE.
Excepted if strong winds above 20-25 m/s were used, even for a short time.
I think you are referring to a quote from their website:
Betz coefficient is not directly affected. The wind turbine receives more wind by the funnel effect. I noted that the resulting increase is not very significant, being about 20 %. To compare with the 50% for this ducted wind turbine or perhaps the 42 cm / 24 cm torus.
This risk is considerable when one invests their time in AWE.
Concerning S1500, I am trying to gather as much information as possible. The wind speed and measured power are still missing.