Aerodynamic Load Modelling for Leading Edge Inflatable Kites

The purpose of this study has been to develop an aerodynamic load model for the energy harvesting (traction) phase of leading-edge inflatable (LEI) kites operating in an airborne wind energy (AWE) context. The load model stems from multivariate polynomial regression analyses expressing the airfoil lift, drag and moment coefficients as polynomial...

Fast aeroelastic model of a leading-edge inflatable kite for the design phase of airborne wind energy systems

When designing an airborne wind energy system, it is necessary to be able to estimate the traction force that the kite produces as a function of its flight trajectory. Being a flexible structure, the geometry of a soft kite depends on its aerodynamic loading and vice versa, which forms a complex fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problem.<br/...

An integrated aero-structural model for ram-air kite simulations: with application to airborne wind energy

The airborne wind energy (AWE) technology aims to utilise tethered wings to harvest wind energy at altitudes conventional wind turbines cannot reach. There are two distinct methods to harvest airborne wind energy: onboard and ground-based generation. The onboard generation is achieved through flying fast manoeuvres driving propellers attached to...

The effect of kite control unit mass and drag on the flight behavior of an airborne wind energy system kite

Airborne wind energy (AWE) is an emerging field that aims to revolutionize the wind energy sector.This work focuses on the aspects of modeling AWE kite flight behavior. Research on such modelsis important since new or improved models can potentially reduce development time and costs andprovide insight in the role of key system parameters.This...

Design of a Real-Time Micro-Winch Controller for Kite-Power Applications

Design of a real time steering and depowering controller for kite power applications. The controller includes kite tapes tension estimation, tension limitation, and current limitation.

Efficiency of kite power systems in pumping operation

Seminar organized by Delft University Wind energy research institute for European Academy of Wind Energy