Optimization of airborne wind energy generators

Abstract

SUMMARY This paper presents novel results related to an innovative airborne wind energy technology, named Kitenergy, for the conversion of high‐altitude wind energy into electricity. The research activities carried out in the last five years, including theoretical analyses, numerical simulations, and experimental tests, indicate that Kitenergy could bring forth a revolution in wind energy generation, providing renewable energy in large quantities at a lower cost than fossil energy. This work investigates three important theoretical aspects: the evaluation of the performance achieved by the employed control law, the optimization of the generator operating cycle, and the possibility to generate continuously a constant and maximal power output. These issues are tackled through the combined use of modeling, control, and optimization methods that result to be key technologies for a significant breakthrough in renewable energy generation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Airborne Wind Energy Systems: A review of the technologies

“…Another Italian company, Kitenergy, was founded by a former KiteGen partner and is also developing a similar concept by controlling a foil kite with two ropes [34,35]. The prototype of the company features 60 kW of rated power [36].…”

A Critical Assessment of Airborne Wind Energy Systems

“…A summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of system is shown in Table 1 below: The kite/glider system bases its power output on the aerodynamic efficiency of the aerofoil whereas Altaeros Energies and Makani power use rotors that are located in the air. Power generation is oscillatory on the kite system as it is constantly switching between the traction and passive phase of control [17]. This is not the case with either the Altaeros system or the Makani system, with an additional benefit of the Altaeros system being that the augmented flow due to the shape of the shroud can increase the power output.…”

High altitude wind power systems: A survey on flexible power kites

“…For the first case, two phases are distinguished, a traction phase, during which the kite pulls the vehicle while it is in the power zone, and a recovery phase where the vehicle moves the kite back to the power zone. According to [25], this complex structure generates the same power that can be produced using a simple pumping kite. Although by applying a rolling/unrolling (pumping) motion of the kite to compensate the consumed energy during the recovery phase, a highly efficient system can be obtained, it is still economically and technically not feasible.…”