Airborne Energy Generation System

The world of today is steadily pacing towards clean and renewable energy resources, such as wind power. Traditionally, wind turbines have been utilized to harness wind energy. However, while the wind speeds increase with altitude, such turbines are unable to utilize them due to height and struc

Project Title

Airborne Energy Generation System

Project Area of Specialization

Mechanical Engineering

Project Summary

The world of today is steadily pacing towards clean and renewable energy resources, such as wind power. Traditionally, wind turbines have been utilized to harness wind energy. However, while the wind speeds increase with altitude, such turbines are unable to utilize them due to height and structural constraints. They also require significant deployment costs, mainly the supporting column to place the turbine at a sufficient altitude.

The proposed alternative is an airborne wind energy system, which utilizes an airborne object, such as a power kite or fixed-wing drone, driving ground-based or onboard generators. These “fly” at very high altitudes with optimized flight paths, harnessing energy from high-speed winds.

Project Objectives

• To harness energy from winds as fast as 20 km/h, at altitudes ranging from 80 to 150 meters.

Project Implementation Method

The airborne wind energy system uses a sailplane, designed to produce very high amounts of aerodynamic lift at low speeds, for harnessing wind energy. The sailplane is launched from the ground with an initial thrust. Upon reaching the required altitude, the sailplane’s motors are turned off, and it solely glides based on its high lift and the thermal air currents rising from the earth's surface. The plane’s motion against the high-speed winds drives the onboard power generators. The plane’s control systems maintain an optimum altitude and flight path so as to produce maximum positive power differential.

Benefits of the Project

• Clean and sustainable renewable energy production
• Exploitation of high-altitude speedy winds
• Elimination of support structures for height gain, reducing the cost and weight
• Flexibility in operation; capable of being undeployed in dangerous weather conditions
• Lower environmental impact, in terms of noise and wind flow concentration
• Most suitable for self-sustaining smaller communities and projects

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The final prototype would be a proof of concept of the airborne wind energy system. It would be a 3 meter wingspan sailplane, capable of achieving speeds as high as 70 km/h, and being operational at an altitude of 100 meters. The sailplane must also be capable of producing power at the rate of 20W, using the onboard power generators.

Final Deliverable of the Project

Hardware System

Core Industry

Energy

Other Industries

Core Technology

Others

Other Technologies

Sustainable Development Goals

Affordable and Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities

Required Resources

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