Abstract

A crosswind kite system adapted to operate in an alternate mode in high winds. The system may operate at reduced efficiency in high winds in order to moderate loading on the system during those high winds. The system may use multi-element airfoils which are actuated to reduce the coefficient of lift of the airfoils in order to moderate loading in high wind conditions. Other flight aspects may be controlled, including flying the crosswind kite in side slip to induce drag which may lower loading on the system.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64C 31/06 - Kites

Abstract

A tether, and system using such a tether, adapted to provide mechanical and electrical coupling of an airborne flying platform to the ground. The tether may have a center structural core with electrical conductors on or near the outer diameter of the tether. The tether may utilize exterior configurations adapted to reduce drag.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64C 31/06 - Kites

Abstract

A system and method of power generation, wind based flight, and take off and landing using a tethered kite with a raised tail mounted rearward of the main wing or wings. The tail may be fully rotatable and may be adapted to rotate more than 90 degrees from its nominal position during a traditional flight paradigm.

IPC Classes  ?

• A63H 27/08 - Kites

Abstract

A system for power generation comprises a wing, a turbine, a tether, and a tether tension sensor. The wing is for generating lift. The turbine is coupled to the wing and is used for generating power from rotation of a propeller or for generating thrust using the propeller. One end of the tether is coupled to the wing. The tether tension sensor is for determining a tension of the tether.

IPC Classes  ?

• F03D 9/00 - Adaptations of wind motors for special useCombinations of wind motors with apparatus driven therebyWind motors specially adapted for installation in particular locations

Abstract

A tether for a kite wind power system is disclosed. The tether has a cross-section that is designed to have less aerodynamic drag than a tether with a circular-shaped cross-section.

IPC Classes  ?

• A63H 27/08 - Kites

Abstract

A kite is disclosed. The kite comprises a first control element coupled to the kite in a first tether-force configuration, wherein the first control element is used to maintain controlled flight of the kite in the first tether- force configuration during a power generating phase. The kite further comprises a second control element coupled to the kite in a second tether-force configuration, wherein the second control element is used to maintain controlled flight of the kite in the second tether-force configuration during a recovery phase, and wherein during the recovery phase a tether force associated with the second tether-force configuration is reduced as compared to the tether force associated with the first tether-force configuration during the power generating phase

IPC Classes  ?

• B64C 31/06 - Kites

Abstract

A power generation system is disclosed. The power generation system comprises a kite connected to a line. The line is alternatively let out during a traction phase and recovered during a recovery phase. A power extractor connected to the line to extract power during the traction phase. And, a power extraction controller configured to target a preferred traction phase line velocity and a preferred recovery phase line velocity.

IPC Classes  ?

• B64C 31/06 - Kites