1.1 History and evolution of airborne wind energy
4 min read•july 30, 2024
Airborne wind energy systems have come a long way since their inception in the late 19th century. From early patents to 's groundbreaking theories in the 1980s, these innovative systems have evolved to harness wind power at higher altitudes more efficiently.
Recent years have seen rapid advancements in airborne wind energy technology. With improved materials, control systems, and designs, modern systems offer exciting possibilities for renewable energy generation, potentially surpassing traditional wind turbines in efficiency and versatility.
Airborne Wind Energy: Historical Development
Early Concepts and Theoretical Foundations
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- Late 19th century marked the inception of airborne wind energy with patents and proposals for kite-based power generation systems
- Miles Loyd developed theoretical foundations for airborne wind energy in the 1970s and 1980s
- Introduced the concept of
- Published seminal paper "Crosswind Kite Power" in 1980 provided theoretical framework for future research
- 1980s and 1990s witnessed experimental prototypes of various airborne wind energy concepts
- Included tethered wings and inflatable structures
- Explored different designs to harness wind energy at higher altitudes
Modern Development and Technological Advancements
- Early 2000s initiated modern airborne wind energy development
- Formation of several start-up companies (, )
- Increased research interest in academic institutions
- Recent developments expanded the range of airborne wind energy systems
- Rigid wing systems improved stability and control
- Soft kite designs offered lightweight and flexible options
- Multi-kite configurations enhanced efficiency and power generation
- Advancements in supporting technologies accelerated progress
- Materials science provided stronger and lighter materials for kites and tethers
- Control systems improved automation and flight stability
- Computational modeling enabled more accurate design and performance predictions
- Current state-of-the-art systems incorporate advanced features
- reduce human intervention
- Advanced tether materials improve strength and conductivity
- Sophisticated power generation mechanisms increase energy output
Milestones in Airborne Wind Energy
Conceptual Breakthroughs
- Miles Loyd's 1980 paper "Crosswind Kite Power" established theoretical framework
- Provided mathematical models for kite-based power generation
- Inspired future research and development in the field
- introduced the "" concept in the 1990s
- Proposed multiple kites on a single tether for continuous power generation
- Laid groundwork for multi-kite system designs
- SkySails achieved first successful demonstration of autonomous kite flight for power generation in early 2000s
- Proved feasibility of computer-controlled kite systems
- Opened doors for automated airborne wind energy systems
Technological Achievements
- Makani Power developed the , achieving megawatt-scale power generation
- Demonstrated viability of rigid wing airborne wind energy systems
- Reached power outputs comparable to conventional wind turbines
- Introduction of ground-based power generation systems simplified design
- Eliminated need for onboard generators
- Reduced overall system complexity and weight
- Breakthroughs in tether technology improved system performance
- increased tether durability
- enabled efficient power transmission to ground
- Commercial-scale prototypes demonstrated fully automated operation cycles
- Achieved autonomous launch, operation, and landing
- Increased reliability and reduced operational costs
Drivers of Airborne Wind Energy
Environmental and Energy Factors
- Need for renewable energy sources drives development
- Mitigates climate change impacts
- Reduces dependence on fossil fuels
- Access to stronger and more consistent wind resources at higher altitudes
- Potential for increased energy production compared to conventional wind turbines
- More stable power output due to consistent wind patterns
- Reduced environmental impact compared to traditional wind farms
- Smaller physical footprint on the ground
- Less visual impact on landscapes
- Deployment flexibility in remote or offshore locations
- Minimal infrastructure requirements for installation
- Potential for mobile or relocatable systems
Economic and Technical Motivations
- Lower material costs compared to conventional wind turbines
- Less steel and concrete required for construction
- Potential for cost-effective large-scale deployment
- Easier transportation, especially for offshore applications
- Lightweight components simplify logistics
- Reduced installation costs in difficult-to-access areas
- Opportunity to develop new industry and create jobs
- Stimulates innovation in renewable energy sector
- Potential for economic growth in manufacturing and services
- Overcoming technical limitations of conventional wind turbines
- Surpasses height restrictions of traditional towers
- Addresses structural constraints of large rotor diameters
Key Contributors to Airborne Wind Energy
Pioneering Researchers and Inventors
- Miles Loyd developed foundational theories for crosswind kite power
- Published influential research on airborne wind energy principles
- Inspired generations of researchers and engineers
- Wubbo Ockels invented the Laddermill concept
- Established one of the first academic research groups focused on airborne wind energy
- Contributed to early prototypes and system designs
- Roland Schmehl led research in and control strategies
- Advanced the understanding of kite dynamics and performance
- Developed innovative control algorithms for airborne wind energy systems
Industry Leaders and Innovators
- Corwin Hardham, Saul Griffith, and Don Montague co-founded Makani Power
- Developed advanced rigid wing airborne wind energy system (M600)
- Attracted significant investment and attention to the field
- Udo Zillmann founded SkySails
- Pioneered kite-based propulsion systems for ships
- Later expanded into airborne wind energy generation
- Key research institutions contributed significantly to the field
- Delft University of Technology (Netherlands)
- ETH Zurich (Switzerland)
- University of Freiburg (Germany)
- Notable companies drove commercial development and demonstration
- Makani Power (later acquired by Google X)
- Ampyx Power
- Kitepower
- Skysails Power
Key Terms to Review (28)
Autonomous control systems: Autonomous control systems are advanced technologies that enable devices or machines to operate independently without direct human intervention. These systems utilize algorithms, sensors, and artificial intelligence to make real-time decisions based on data collected from their environment, allowing for optimized performance and efficiency. In the context of airborne wind energy, these systems are essential for managing the flight paths and operational parameters of airborne energy systems, contributing significantly to their development and effectiveness over time.
Autonomous launch and landing capabilities: Autonomous launch and landing capabilities refer to the ability of airborne wind energy systems to initiate and conclude their operation without human intervention. This technology is crucial for improving the efficiency and reliability of energy generation by enabling systems to operate in various conditions, minimizing downtime, and reducing operational costs. The development of these capabilities has evolved significantly, impacting the design, deployment, and functionality of airborne wind energy systems over time.
Climate change awareness: Climate change awareness refers to the understanding and recognition of the impacts, causes, and consequences of climate change on the environment and human society. This awareness drives public discourse, influences policy decisions, and fosters individual and collective actions aimed at mitigating climate change effects. The concept has evolved over time, becoming a crucial element in shaping discussions about energy systems and technologies, including airborne wind energy.
Conductive Tethers: Conductive tethers are specialized cables or ropes used in airborne wind energy systems to transmit electricity generated by airborne devices, such as kites or drones, back to the ground. These tethers not only provide a means of power transmission but also support the structural integrity and stability of the airborne systems during operation. By utilizing conductive materials, these tethers facilitate efficient energy transfer while minimizing energy loss, making them essential components in the development of efficient airborne wind energy technologies.
Crosswind Kite Power: Crosswind kite power refers to a method of harnessing wind energy by flying kites or tethered wings in a crosswind direction, capturing energy as they move through the air. This technique utilizes the lift generated by the kite to pull on a tether, which can be connected to a generator or other energy conversion system. By leveraging high-altitude winds and the unique flight patterns of kites, this approach has evolved as an innovative way to generate renewable energy more efficiently than traditional wind turbines.
Drone-based systems: Drone-based systems refer to technologies and frameworks that utilize unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to perform various tasks, often related to data collection, surveillance, and environmental monitoring. These systems have evolved significantly in recent years, particularly within the context of airborne wind energy, where they can optimize energy capture and operational efficiency through aerial monitoring and data analysis.
Dynamic Soaring: Dynamic soaring is a flight technique used by airborne devices to gain energy and altitude by exploiting wind gradients. This method allows an aircraft to fly efficiently by transitioning between areas of differing wind speeds, harnessing the lift generated from these variations to sustain flight with minimal energy consumption. The technique plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of airborne wind energy systems by maximizing the energy harvested from the wind.
Energy Harvesting: Energy harvesting refers to the process of capturing and storing energy from external sources, such as wind, solar, or kinetic energy, to power devices or systems. This concept is particularly relevant in airborne wind energy systems, where kinetic energy from high-altitude winds is converted into usable electrical power. By tapping into renewable energy sources, energy harvesting plays a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and sustainability across various applications.
Giorgio P. van der Waal: Giorgio P. van der Waal is a notable figure in the field of airborne wind energy, recognized for his contributions to the development and understanding of this innovative technology. His work has focused on optimizing airborne wind energy systems and advancing the theoretical frameworks that underpin their operation, making significant impacts on how energy can be harnessed from high-altitude winds.
Government incentives: Government incentives are financial or non-financial benefits provided by governments to encourage specific behaviors or actions from individuals or businesses. These incentives can play a crucial role in promoting innovation, research, and development, particularly in emerging industries like airborne wind energy, where new technologies need support to gain traction in the market.
High-strength synthetic fibers: High-strength synthetic fibers are advanced materials made from polymers that possess exceptional tensile strength, low weight, and resistance to environmental factors. These properties make them ideal for applications in various fields, including airborne wind energy systems, where they are used in tethers to harness wind energy effectively. Their evolution has been critical in improving the efficiency and safety of tethered systems over time.
Kite-based systems: Kite-based systems are airborne wind energy systems that utilize large kites or tethered wings to harness wind energy at higher altitudes where wind speeds are typically greater. These systems convert the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical or electrical energy, making them a promising alternative to traditional wind turbines. They represent a unique approach to energy generation by exploiting high-altitude winds, which can be more consistent and powerful.
Kitegen: Kitegen refers to a specific type of airborne wind energy system that uses a tethered kite to harness wind energy at higher altitudes where winds are stronger and more consistent. This innovative technology represents a significant advancement in the evolution of airborne wind energy, enabling multi-kite and array configurations for enhanced energy generation. The Kitegen system operates on basic principles of aerial dynamics and can incorporate autonomous launch and landing systems to optimize performance and efficiency.
Laddermill: A laddermill is a type of airborne wind energy system that consists of a series of kite-like structures attached to a long tether, which is used to harness wind energy at high altitudes. This innovative design allows the system to operate efficiently by taking advantage of stronger winds found at higher elevations, aiming to generate renewable energy with minimal ground-based infrastructure.
M600 Prototype: The M600 Prototype is an advanced airborne wind energy system designed to harness high-altitude wind resources using tethered kites or drones. This innovative technology represents a significant step in the evolution of airborne wind energy, showcasing enhanced energy generation capabilities and efficiency compared to traditional wind turbines.
Makani Power: Makani Power is a company that specializes in airborne wind energy technology, particularly known for developing a flying wind turbine that harnesses high-altitude winds to generate electricity. This innovative approach aims to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of wind energy production by utilizing kites or drones that can access stronger and more consistent wind sources at altitude.
Miles Loyd: Miles Loyd is a pivotal figure in the field of airborne wind energy, known for his innovative contributions and research that have significantly advanced the technology. His work has focused on developing concepts and systems that utilize high-altitude winds, which are more consistent and stronger than those at ground level, thereby optimizing energy capture. Loyd's vision and insights have laid the groundwork for modern airborne wind energy systems, influencing both theoretical research and practical applications.
Oil crises: Oil crises refer to periods of significant disruption in the supply and pricing of oil, often resulting from geopolitical conflicts, production shortages, or market manipulation. These events have major economic impacts, influencing energy policies and driving shifts toward alternative energy sources, including airborne wind energy systems.
Peter Jamieson: Peter Jamieson is a notable figure in the field of airborne wind energy, recognized for his contributions to the development and understanding of this innovative technology. His work has significantly influenced both the historical evolution of airborne wind energy systems and the ongoing challenges related to scaling and commercializing these technologies. Jamieson's insights help shape the future direction of airborne wind energy research and industry practices.
Proof of Concept: A proof of concept is a demonstration or evidence that a certain idea, theory, or approach is feasible and can be developed into a functional application. It serves as an early validation step, often used to evaluate the potential effectiveness of innovative technologies before moving on to more extensive development and implementation phases.
Prototype testing: Prototype testing is the process of evaluating a preliminary version of a product to assess its functionality, performance, and overall viability before full-scale production. This crucial phase allows designers and engineers to identify potential issues, gather user feedback, and make necessary adjustments, ultimately aiding in the refinement of the design. Effective prototype testing is essential in understanding how concepts evolve over time and plays a significant role in the advancement of airborne wind energy systems.
Public-private partnerships: Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are collaborative agreements between government entities and private sector companies to fund, build, and operate projects that serve the public interest. These partnerships leverage the strengths of both sectors, with the public sector providing regulatory oversight and the private sector contributing expertise and capital investment. This cooperation is particularly relevant in developing innovative technologies and infrastructures, which includes areas like airborne wind energy systems and their financing strategies.
R&D Grants: R&D grants are financial awards provided by government bodies, private foundations, or organizations to support research and development activities. These grants are crucial for fostering innovation, helping researchers and companies explore new technologies and ideas, especially in fields like airborne wind energy, where funding is essential to advance experimental projects and prototypes.
Renewable energy mandates: Renewable energy mandates are regulations or laws that require a certain percentage of energy consumed to come from renewable sources. These mandates are designed to promote the development and use of renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, and biomass, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. They play a critical role in shaping energy policies and driving investment in renewable energy infrastructure.
Renewable energy transition: The renewable energy transition refers to the global shift from traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources to renewable sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal. This shift aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy security, and promote sustainable development by adopting cleaner energy technologies and practices. The transition is essential for addressing climate change and fostering a more sustainable energy future.
Skysails: Skysails are innovative airborne wind energy devices that utilize tethered sails to capture high-altitude winds and convert them into renewable energy. By flying at altitudes where wind speeds are higher and more consistent than those on the ground, skysails aim to generate electricity more efficiently than traditional ground-based wind turbines. This technology represents a significant advancement in the history of airborne wind energy, showcasing a shift towards harnessing the potential of the upper atmosphere.
Soft kite systems: Soft kite systems refer to airborne wind energy devices that utilize flexible, lightweight materials to harness wind energy at various altitudes. These systems are designed to capture high-altitude winds and convert them into usable energy, making them a promising alternative to traditional wind turbines. Soft kites are typically easier to deploy and maneuver, contributing to the development and evolution of airborne wind energy technologies.
Wubbo Ockels: Wubbo Ockels was a pioneering Dutch physicist and aerospace engineer known for his groundbreaking contributions to airborne wind energy systems. His innovative ideas and research played a crucial role in the development of harnessing high-altitude winds to generate sustainable energy, significantly influencing the history and evolution of this field.