Kite networks for harvestingwind energy

Abstract

This chapter presents a simple new wind energy concept based on airborne rotary power generation and tensile rotary power transfer to the ground. The inexpensive prototypes use flexible inflatable wings that are arranged on ring kites, similar to how the rotor blades of a wind turbine are arranged on the hub. These autorotating rotary ring kites are stacked and integrated into a tensile structure that transfers the collected rotational power to a ground-based generator. A separate lifting kite provides additional lift to elevate the stack of rotary ring kites. Simulations and prototype testing show that network kite rigging provides the stabilizing benefits of wide tethering to networked individual kites even during fast flight for power generation. Turbulence effects are largely smoothed on individual kites. Stacked rotary ring kites can be integrated into a lattice of interconnected lifting kites, to concurrently run, at close proximity and thus allowing for greater land use efficiency. Solutions for joining the work of multiple ground stations to a single, more efficient generator are discussed. Software for kite network design is discussed. The designs are licensed as open source hardware to encourage engagement.