Modelling aeroelastic deformation of soft wing membrane kites

Several structural models that could serve as building blocks for a next-generation FSI-based kite design tool have been developed. The models represent the leading-edge inflatable V3 soft wing membrane kite of Kitepower B.V., by using a wireframe multi-plate representation. Where the shape deformations are calculated using bridle line system...

In-flight measurement of kite deformations with inertial sensors

The control and design of kites for airborne wind energy requires an extensive understanding of kite dynamics. While these have been thoroughly analyzed with fluid-structure interaction models, very little experimental data exists to validate them. Specifically, most experiments on kites so far have not obtained local measurements that can be...

Design and Noise Study of a Low-Drag Wind Turbine for Airborne Power Applications: A Numerical and Experimental assesment