A roadmap towards airborne wind energy in the utility sector

Abstract

The development path of the Ampyx Power airborne wind energy system is described. It is intended for the utility sector and large-scale grid connection. The technology generates energy by flying a tethered glider-aircraft attached to a ground-based generator following a crosswind pattern as the tether unwinds under high tension, and rewinds under near-zero tension. The benefits, drawbacks and decision rationales of major design choices are discussed: crosswind operation, rigid aircraft concept, ground-based generator. The development plan is shared and an indication is given how we defined our performance targets by prototype tests and extrapolations based on validated dynamic simulation. The development plan is to first build a system aimed to demonstrate safety and autonomy. Next, the first commercial system shall minimize Levelized Cost of Energy (maximizing the customer’s return on investment). A larger system then maximizes productivity (maximizing the customer’s net profit). Offshore operation is targeted. Safety levels are continuously improved to enable co-use of the land under the tethered aircraft.