WaveWings - Integrated Airborne Wind and Wave Energy Converter
T.A.M. Clara (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
T.Y.A. De Laere (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
D.G.A. van Ginkel (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
L.D.I. van Vliet (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
J.A.A. Bredael (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
R. Dux (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
R.M. Leal (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
J.W.L. Matthe (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
G. Fernández Nespral Vaz (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
M. Güell Ybarra (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)
R Schmehl – Mentor (TU Delft - Wind Energy)
O. Cayon – Coach (TU Delft - Wind Energy)
Yunusi Yunus – Coach (TU Delft - Aircraft Noise and Climate Effects)
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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.