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Airborne Wind Energy Conversion Using a Rotating Reel System

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Airborne Wind Energy

Part of the book series: Green Energy and Technology ((GREEN))

Abstract

The study proposes a new airborne wind energy system based on the carousel concept. It comprises a rotary ring kite and a ground-based rotating reel conversion system. The moment generated by the ring kite is transferred by several peripheral tethers that connect to winch modules that are mounted on the ground rotor. A generator is coupled to this rotor for direct electricity generation. Because the ring kite is inclined with respect to the ground-rotor the length of the peripheral tethers has to be adjusted continuously during operation. The proposed system is designed to minimize the used land and space. This first study describes the fundamental working principles, results of a small-scale experimental test, a kinematic analysis of steady-state operation of the system and a power transmission analysis. Design choices for the ring kite are discussed, a strategy for launching and landing and methods for passive and active control are described.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Antonello Cherubini for his help with the mechanical analysis; Antoine Delon, for the geometrical and mathematical representations of the reference axis and kinematics; Ben Lerner for the reorganization of some elements; David Murray for proofreading.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 7 Lotissement des Terres Blanches, 10160, Paisy-Cosdon, France

    Pierre Benhaïem

  2. Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Kluyverweg 1, 2629 HS, Delft, The Netherlands

    Roland Schmehl

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  1. Pierre Benhaïem
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  2. Roland Schmehl
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Pierre Benhaïem .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands

    Roland Schmehl

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Benhaïem, P., Schmehl, R. (2018). Airborne Wind Energy Conversion Using a Rotating Reel System. In: Schmehl, R. (eds) Airborne Wind Energy. Green Energy and Technology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-1947-0_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-1947-0_22

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  • Print ISBN: 978-981-10-1946-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-981-10-1947-0

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