A novel approach to airborne wind energy: Design and modeling

Abstract

This document explores the design, modeling, and development of a novel, low-altitude airborne wind energy (AWE) system composed of a tethered airship supporting an independent wind power generator payload. The design has been scaled to handle 2.5, 25, and 100 kW payloads; the configuration analyzed in this paper handles a 2.5 kW generator. The power generation and lift systems in this design are separate and do not rely on each other for operation. The lift system is a lighter-than-air flyer with longitudinal and lateral control capabilities; the flying wind turbine is a counter-rotating rotor system with a synchronous generator; and the tether serves to both anchor the device and to transmit electricity to ground-based power electronics and grid collection.