Automation of kite borne wind turbine unit to ensure unaided loop flight

Wind energy is an upcoming sector in the development of sustainable energy resources. Conventionally wind energy is harvested using massive wind turbine units. These units are either terrestrial or offshore and are installed on high masts to capture the wind energy to be converted to electrical ener

Project Title

Automation of kite borne wind turbine unit to ensure unaided loop flight

Project Area of Specialization

Mechanical Engineering

Project Summary

Wind energy is an upcoming sector in the development of sustainable energy resources. Conventionally wind energy is harvested using massive wind turbine units. These units are either terrestrial or offshore and are installed on high masts to capture the wind energy to be converted to electrical energy. The project proposes a mobile deployable wind turbine unit which does away with the need of a mast and other heavy supporting structure. The wind turbine unit is proposed to be installed on an auto stable kite, which can fly within a given flight envelope without the help of active control aids. An auto stable kite is a kite which flies in a specific configuration with the use of active control surfaces. The objective of this project is to develop a flying wind turbine unit prototype for research and further development into the technology of such deployable renewable energy resources. A successful test flight and generation of electrical energy would be the first benchmark of this project which shall be developed further to optimize and convert the project to a commercializable product. The project will be supervised by an expert in wind energy generator structures and an aerospace engineer. The project shall deliver the first workable prototype within 18 months of development.

Project Objectives

The proposed project is of an applied nature where a prototype will be developed for further development of a commercializable product. The flying wind turbine unit will also help research in the fields of flight controls, aerodynamics and materials sciences.

A working prototype of an auto stable kite borne flying turbine unit

Parametric models for the development of commercial products of different output

Project Implementation Method

The Methodology is divided into the main phases a s under:

1. Study of existing designs for a comparative study with the proposed designs: 3 months
2. Design of the auto stable kite with stability analysis including the aero generator: 4 months
3. First iteration development, fabrication and refinement: 4 months
4. Testing and development of subsequent iterations for refinement: 7 months

Benefits of the Project

The proposed project will train and teach bachelors level students in the fields of energy generation, flight stability and control systems. Furthermore such deployable systems can be commercialized for outdoor enthusiasts, remote telecommunications stations and military installations alike, depending on the scale of the kite system required. Such innovative technologies for energy development bring energy to far flung areas and reduce the dependence on expensive infrastructure especially for non-permanent installations.

Such projects strengthen the innovative research and development techniques of the institutions and personnel alike, in addition create a culture of “outside of the box” thinking and discovering state of the art innovative solutions to real world problems.

On a local community level such projects can easily be funded by the local bodies/governments for the uplift of the respective communities and community owned projects can be created where the local people create ownership of their projects to solve energy related problems.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The project upon its completion will pave the path for the development of remotely deployable wind energy generators, which will help small communities and remote stations (military, telecommunications and others) generated their own electrical energy without reliance on the national grid.

Final Deliverable of the Project

Hardware System

Core Industry

Energy

Other Industries

Core Technology

Clean Tech

Other Technologies

Sustainable Development Goals

Affordable and Clean Energy

Required Resources

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