Kite powered generator

sixo · Since 25 Jun 2007 36 Posts west side

I thought this was cool, not sure if its been posted, just pull the rig up to the spot and charge the cells.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlSHH_djn94

Company site:
http://www.kitegen.com/index_en.html

Nak · Fri Oct 19, 07 3:44 pm

I gotta call BS on this one... Yes, you could generate electricity by letting the kite pull out lines and turn a generator. What do you do when the kite reaches it's max height? You'd have to expend energy to reel the thing back in and start over. If you flew the kite to Zenith you could reduce the energy required, but enough to make it worthwhile?

Plus the winds 800 to 1000 meters up aren't necessarily that reliable or strong... Sure, the company's website talks about the wind speed in the jet-stream, but that's a lot higher than 1000 meters.

I think it's great to look for clean energy sources, but this really doesn't seem workable.

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3754 Posts PDX-LA Videographer

I don't really get how this is working, but maybe I'm just retarded. In another video there are large spools on the right/left lines which are constantly running/pulling line to make the kite figure 8. Is it the outward run of the kite (lines increasing length), that generate the electricity? And on the youtube comments they mention 40-50kW? I don't really see that...

sixo · Since 25 Jun 2007 36 Posts west side

They seem to propose a variety of applications one being a “merry-go-round” the video looks to be just a proof of concept. I can’t say it’s all BS......one cannot climb a mountain with out taking steps. I'd say A for effort on the prototype.

Vague explanation from Wired on how it works:

……When wind hits the KiteGen, kites spring from funnels at the ends of poles. For each kite, winches release a pair of high-resistance cables to control direction and angle……………………………

KiteGen's core is set in motion by the twirl of the kites; the rotation activates large alternators producing current. A control system on autopilot optimizes the flight pattern to maximize the juice produced as it sails on night and day. A radar system can redirect kites within seconds in case of any interference: oncoming helicopters, for example. Or small planes or even single birds.

http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2006/10/71908

jsj · Since 11 Sep 2006 83 Posts Hood River

Would work the same as a cup-anemometer....

Control system flies the kite down in the window (figure-eighting or whatever) on the downwind leg, and parks the kite on the upwind leg. Alternatively, it would simply work as a sheet in/sheet out system. The picture doesn't show this but thats how it would have to work.

All that matters is that on one side of the wheel you got more pull than the other.

Ditto for the first concept of a kite on a spool. Sheet in to make the kite pull, sheet out to park it - if you designed a kite that would fly forward and down when sheeted out and pull hard when sheeted in it would work fine.

Maintenance might get to be an issue, since the fabric would see lotsa UV and weather, not to mention whatever they use for lines.

-john

joefaust · Since 17 Jan 2009 1 Posts New Member

All are invited to add to the going discussion:

http://josephfaust.com/hgh/KITESA/FAQelectric/methods.html

skilja · Since 02 Jan 2008 75 Posts

Sounds like they need a Peter Lynn: Auto Zenith. The 22m GII that I had de-powered when the bar was pulled in.

$ociopath · Since 28 Nov 2007 523 Posts Twilight Zone Addicted

With the price of kites I'd say it'll set you back a couple.

westender · Since 09 Aug 2008 41 Posts Portland/Stevenson

"Large investors may contact the company for information".

Did they say how long it's going to take to untangle the lines?

In one example they show a wind turbine tower with the kite taking the place of the turbine blades.

The other one is a ground mounted deal with a shit load of kites going around in a circle.

Maybe they should put solar panels on the kite's since they could be above the clouds and the power could run down wire lines?????

jonah · Since 20 Jul 2006 169 Posts Hood River Stoked

On the same subject, I've heard a little bit about Makani Power that has been heavily funded by Google.

Not much info on the site except they plan to harness high altitude winds. Also note that the CEO and Google founders are kiteboarders.

So maybe there is something to kite power generation?