A Review on Crosswind Airborne Wind Energy Systems: Key Factors for a Design Choice

Pereira, André F. C.; Sousa, J. M. M.

doi:10.3390/en16010351

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 78 publications

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“…A three-phase PMSG was used in this analysis, which can be driven with the required speed and torque characteristics for the kite model using the feedback loops. As a stand-alone application, a PMSM is preferred over other AC generators [44] as the field is produced by the permanent magnets, which do not need an external source to excite the machine [45]. The variations in the wind speeds were generated by three methods in this simulation: using a signal builder, using satellite data of the site, and using experimental data from the field tests.…”

Section: Discussion and Applicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the Potential of Kite-Based Wind Power Generation: An Emulation-Based Approach

et al. 2023

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A Kite-based Airborne Wind Energy Conversion System (KAWECS) works by harnessing the kinetic energy from the wind and converting it into electric power. The study of the dynamics of KAWECS is fundamental in researching and developing a commercial-scale KAWECS. Testing an actual KAWECS in a location with suitable wind conditions is only sometimes a trusted method for conducting research. A KAWECS emulator was developed based on a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine (PMSM) drive coupled with a generator to mimic the kite’s behaviour in wind conditions. Using MATLAB-SIMULINK, three different power ratings of 1 kW, 10 kW, and 100 kW systems were designed with a kite surface area of 2.5 m2, 14 m2, and 60 m2, respectively. The reel-out speed of the tether, tether force, traction power, drum speed, and drum torque were analysed for a wind speed range of 2 m/s to 12.25 m/s. The satellite wind speed data at 10 m and 50 m above ground with field data of the kite’s figure-of-eight trajectories were used to emulate the kite’s characteristics. The results of this study will promote the use of KAWECS, which can provide reliable and seamless energy flow, enriching wind energy exploitation under various installation environments.

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Section: Discussion and Applicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the Potential of Kite-Based Wind Power Generation: An Emulation-Based Approach

et al. 2023

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“…The energy produced is three times that of a TWT [11]. The characteristics of existing AWE technological solutions are presented in [12], with an emphasis on the hardware architecture of crosswind systems. The comprehensive assessment of AWE technology to collect wind energy from greater heights may be found in [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Laboratory-Scale Airborne Wind Energy Conversion Emulator Using OPAL-RT Real-Time Simulator

Kumar,

Kashyap,

Castelino

et al. 2023

Energies

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Airborne wind energy systems (AWES) are more efficient than traditional wind turbines because they can capture higher wind speeds at higher altitudes using connected kite generators. Securing a real wind turbine or a site with favorable wind conditions is not always an assured opportunity for conducting research. Hence, the Research and Development of the Laboratory Scale Airborne Wind Energy Conversion System (LAWECS) require a better understanding of airborne wind turbine dynamics and emulation. Therefore, an airborne wind turbine emulation system was designed, implemented, simulated, and experimentally tested with ground data for the real time simulation. The speed and torque of a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) connected to a kite are regulated to maximize wind energy harvesting. A field-oriented control technique is then used to control the PMSM’s torque, while a three-phase power inverter is utilized to drive the PMSM with PI controllers in a closed loop. The proposed framework was tested, and the emulated airborne wind energy conversion system results were proven experimentally for different wind speeds and generator loads. Further, the LAWECS emulator simulated a 2 kW, 20 kW, and 60 kW designed with a projected kite area of 5, 25, and 70 square meters, respectively. This system was simulated using the Matlab/Simulink software and tested with the experimental data. Furthermore, the evaluation of the proposed framework is validated using a real-time hardware-in-the-loop environment, which uses the FPGA-based OPAL-RT Simulator.

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“…At the end of the traction phase, the kite has to be retracted. To keep the energy consumed during the retraction phase to a minimum, two main approaches exist [8]. While soft kites are usually brought to an elevation of close to 90 • to retract without crosswind motion, rigid wings can be pitched down to low or negative angles of attack to more rapidly retract.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The third phase is take-off and landing of the kite. A comprehensive summary of different approaches for rigid wings and soft kites can be found in [8],while an excellent overview of the general operation of different AWE systems is given in [9]. Besides control aspects, which were not in the scope of the presented work, the fundamental challenge when designing a rigid wing for power generation is covering the three distinct operating phases with partially contradicting aerodynamic requirements for optimal power yield.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigation and Optimisation of High-Lift Airfoils for Airborne Wind Energy Systems at High Reynolds Numbers

Fischer

Church

Nayeri

et al. 2023

Wind

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The potential of airfoil optimisation for the specific requirements of airborne wind energy (AWE) systems is investigated. Experimental and numerical investigations were conducted at high Reynolds numbers for the S1223 airfoil and an optimised airfoil with thin slat. The optimised geometry was generated using the NSGA-II optimisation algorithm in conjunction with 2D-RANS simulations. The results showed that simultaneous optimisation of the slat and airfoil is the most promising approach. Furthermore, the choice of turbulence model was found to be crucial, requiring appropriate transition modeling to reproduce experimental data. The k-ω-SST-γ-Reθ model proved to be most suitable for the geometries investigated. Wind tunnel experiments were conducted with high aspect ratio model airfoils, using a novel structural design, relying mostly on 3D-printed airfoil segments. The optimised airfoil and slat geometry showed significantly improved maximum lift and a shift of the maximum power factor to higher angles of attack, indicating good potential for use in AWE systems, especially at higher Reynolds numbers. The combined numerical and experimental approach proved to be very successful and the overall process a promising starting point for future optimisation and investigation of airfoils for AWE systems.

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A Review on Crosswind Airborne Wind Energy Systems: Key Factors for a Design Choice

Cited by 6 publications

References 78 publications

Exploring the Potential of Kite-Based Wind Power Generation: An Emulation-Based Approach

Exploring the Potential of Kite-Based Wind Power Generation: An Emulation-Based Approach

Laboratory-Scale Airborne Wind Energy Conversion Emulator Using OPAL-RT Real-Time Simulator

Investigation and Optimisation of High-Lift Airfoils for Airborne Wind Energy Systems at High Reynolds Numbers

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