Design of an airborne wind energy (AWE) research platform

Abstract

Airborne wind energy (AWE) technologies have the potential to become a dominant source of clean electricity generation and help humanity reach many of the key sustainable development goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. AWE systems eliminate the need for a tower, large blades and substantial foundations used in modern wind turbines and replace it with a wing (i.e. kite or glider aircraft) tethered to the ground. This technology can reach higher-altitude winds which is an untapped source of clean and highly abundant energy with the potential to power civilization 100 times over. As part of this work, an AWE research platform has been designed and developed based on a concept that emphasizes low-complexity, safety and low-cost. This research platform can be used to evaluate different sensor frameworks, airfoil/tether designs, control systems and optimal operational strategies for AWE systems operating under lift mode. A first-order techno-economic analysis was also performed to assess the cost and technical feasibility of developing a small-scale AWE system for distributed generation applications. In addition to estimating the approximate cost of the system, the analysis also determines the potential power generated by a specific AWE system design operating at a maximum elevation of 152 meters, to comply with existing regulation. The results of the techno-economic analysis suggest that small-scale AWE systems have the potential to produce electricity at a much lower cost than small-wind turbines of the same rated capacity.