Innovative Airborn Wind Energy Systems

Abstract

Airborne Wind Energy Systems can be an effective extension of the green energy portfolio because they are flexible with respect to their operating location and they can be used even at low wind speed levels. Within the BMWK funded project ENERWING a tethered Kite Power System with a solid, lightweight swept wing is investigated to meet the quite challenging structural weight and production cost demands. The identified, most promising compromise between aerodynamic efficiency, robustness and cost is a flying wing with winglets and slats. To meet the required weight demands a foil covered, bonded carbon fibre reinforced substructure has been chosen and validated. To provide maximum flexibility the wing structure is demountable and can be stored and transported in a standard container. Because of the resulting thin laminates, the major load introduction elements between the wing modules and also the control rope attachment points are extremely challenging especially because the suggested maintenance interval is in the order of several month.