Automatic control for airborne wind energy systems

Let’s start with a classical wind turbine (what’s currently the best at converting wind into electricity) and make it better.

Let’s keep that and delete the rest.

Well, we’ve deleted a lot of fiberglass. Nice.

Let’s place the generator on the ground. Easier maintenance.

We might as well delete the steel mast and the concrete foundation.

Well, there isn’t much left. We need to change the blade design now. And add a tether.

Some use a glider (because it’s efficient, durable and the aerodynamics are well known)

Others use a kite (because it can takeoff at lighter winds and is cheaper)

Instead of turning, we follow figures of eight, to prevent tangling of the tethers

As the kite flies, it pulls on the tether and unwinds it from the drum

Distance times force is work, converted to electricity by the generator. First phase.

When the tether is unwound, transition to the slack zone. Force goes down. Second phase.

When the tether is slack, wind it back.

Some energy is consumed. Third phase. Start again!