WaveWings - Integrated Airborne Wind and Wave Energy Converter

Bachelor thesis (2024)

Authors

T.A.M. Clara Aerospace Engineering
T.Y.A. De Laere Aerospace Engineering
D.G.A. van Ginkel Aerospace Engineering
L.D.I. van Vliet Aerospace Engineering
J.A.A. Bredael Aerospace Engineering
R. Dux Aerospace Engineering
R.M. Leal Aerospace Engineering
J.W.L. Matthe Aerospace Engineering
G. Fernández Nespral Vaz Aerospace Engineering
M. Güell Ybarra Aerospace Engineering

Contributors

R. Schmehl Wind Energy - Aerospace Engineering (mentor)
O. Cayon Wind Energy - Aerospace Engineering (coach)
F. Yunus Aircraft Noise and Climate Effects - Aerospace Engineering (coach)
Faculty
Aerospace Engineering
Renewable Energy Airborne Wind Energy Offshore renewables Point absorber Leading Edge Inflatable Kite Wave Energy
More Info
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Published Date

28-06-2024

Language

English

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Faculty

Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

The WaveWings project seeks to harness the synergetic potential of Airborne Wind Energy Systems (AWES) and Wave Energy Converters (WEC) to create a 1 GW deep-offshore renewable energy farm, contributing to the European Union’s net-zero 2050 goals. This report details the design process and outcomes of integrating a Leading-Edge Inflatable (LEI) kite system with a point absorber wave energy converter (WEC). The LEI kite and point absorber generate 2.3 MW and 150 kW of power, respectively. Key trade-offs and design choices were made in selecting the kite, launch system, WEC, and anchoring mechanisms to optimize performance and sustainability. Sustainable design strategies are implemented to reduce the Levelised Cost Of Electricity (LCOE) and Global Warming Potential (GWP). The integration of the airborne and wave energy systems was optimized through simulations to maximize energy absorption and respect synergy requirements. Market and financial analyses indicated that WaveWings project can be competitive on the west coast of Ireland.