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Dynamic model of a pumping kite power system

Author

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  • Fechner, Uwe
  • van der Vlugt, Rolf
  • Schreuder, Edwin
  • Schmehl, Roland

Abstract

Converting the traction power of kites into electricity can be a low cost solution for wind energy. Reliable control of both trajectory and tether reeling is crucial. The present study proposes a modelling framework describing the dynamic behaviour of the interconnected system components, suitable for design and optimization of the control systems. The wing, bridle, airborne control unit and tether are represented as a particle system using spring-damper elements to describe their mechanical properties. Two kite models are proposed: a point mass model and a four point model. Reeling of the tether is modelled by varying the lengths of constituent tether elements. Dynamic behaviour of the ground station is included. The framework is validated by combining it with the automatic control system used for the operation of a kite power system demonstrator. The simulation results show that the point mass model can be adjusted to match the measured behaviour during a pumping cycle. The four point model can better predict the influence of gravity and inertia on the steering response and remains stable also at low tether forces. Compared to simple one point models, the proposed framework is more accurate and robust while allowing real-time simulations of the complete system.

Suggested Citation

  • Fechner, Uwe & van der Vlugt, Rolf & Schreuder, Edwin & Schmehl, Roland, 2015. "Dynamic model of a pumping kite power system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C), pages 705-716.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:83:y:2015:i:c:p:705-716
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2015.04.028
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Archer, Cristina L. & Delle Monache, Luca & Rife, Daran L., 2014. "Airborne wind energy: Optimal locations and variability," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 180-186.
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    Cited by:

    1. Luuk van Hagen & Kristian Petrick & Stefan Wilhelm & Roland Schmehl, 2023. "Life-Cycle Assessment of a Multi-Megawatt Airborne Wind Energy System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-23, February.
    2. van der Vlugt, Rolf & Bley, Anna & Noom, Michael & Schmehl, Roland, 2019. "Quasi-steady model of a pumping kite power system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 83-99.
    3. Jelle A. W. Poland & Roland Schmehl, 2023. "Modelling Aero-Structural Deformation of Flexible Membrane Kites," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-24, July.
    4. Salari, Mahdi Ebrahimi & Coleman, Joseph & Toal, Daniel, 2019. "Analysis of direct interconnection technique for offshore airborne wind energy systems under normal and fault conditions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 284-296.
    5. Tarek N. Dief & Uwe Fechner & Roland Schmehl & Shigeo Yoshida & Mostafa A. Rushdi, 2020. "Adaptive Flight Path Control of Airborne Wind Energy Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-29, February.
    6. Liu, Zhe & Zhao, Yi & Zhou, Yuerong & Guan, Faming, 2020. "Modeling, simulation and test results analysis of tethered undersea kite based on bead model," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 154(C), pages 1314-1326.
    7. Malz, E.C. & Koenemann, J. & Sieberling, S. & Gros, S., 2019. "A reference model for airborne wind energy systems for optimization and control," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 1004-1011.
    8. Iván Castro-Fernández & Ricardo Borobia-Moreno & Rauno Cavallaro & Gonzalo Sánchez-Arriaga, 2021. "Three-Dimensional Unsteady Aerodynamic Analysis of a Rigid-Framed Delta Kite Applied to Airborne Wind Energy," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-17, December.

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