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Pumping operation
The traction force of the kite is converted into energy in a periodically oscillating cycle. In the generation phase, the kite is operated in figure-of-eight manoeuvers transverse to the incident wind...
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High altitude wind
Wind gets generally stronger and more persistent with increasing altitude. In the first 1.5 to 2 km above ground level, the planetary boundary layer, this is mainly due to the effect of viscous...
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Modularity & mobility
A kite power system can be operated at different heights depending on the current wind speed. Furthermore, different sizes of kites can be used with the same ground station. Therefore, it is possible...
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Tether
The main cable is a Euroneema High Molucular weight Poly Ethylene (HMPE) rope produced by Lankhorst Ropes. Properties: Material: Dyneema® SK75 Construction: 16 strands plaited hollow braid Diameter:...
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Airborne Wind Energy
Kite power is only one of the many possible ways to convert wind energy into electrical energy by means of a flying device. Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) is a general term to collectively name all these...
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Kite
The current system demonstrator uses a single kite. The properties of an energy producing kite include: A high lift to drag ratio to optimize power production, ability to fly at a low angle of attack...
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Automatic operation
Automatic operation of a kitepower system Currently, two people operate the TU Delft kitepower system, the pilot and the winch-operator. For a commercial kite power system, automated operation is...
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Kite control
The flight of the kite is controlled by a control unit, that is hanging under the kite. It is connected to the kite with four lines. Two are used for steering, and the other two to change the lift of...
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Environmental footprint
The environmental footprint of a kitepower system is very low even in comparison with conventional wind turbines. The reasons are: Very low weight of the complete system, because no tower and only...
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Flexible structures
Flexible materials do not have a reasonable structural rigidity of their own. Internal pressure is therefore used to keep a structure made from flexible materials in its desired shape creating a...
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Ground station
The current ground station consists of the following components: Motor-generator with 18 kW nominal power; drum, synchronous belt, gearbox; spindle motor with gearbox and worm drive; pulleys, force...
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Operational safety
Many people assume that the operational safety is one of the critical aspects of kite power systems. Of the many aspects of safety, most important are the interaction with traffic in the air and on the...
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Bridle system
The bridle line system, in short bridle, has several functions. Firstly, it collects the structural forces of the wing, which are generated by its aerodynamic loading, and transfers them to the kite...
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