Harnessing High Altitude Winds

SkySails Power: Technology of Airborne Wind Energy Systems

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Summary

The SkySails Group's video highlights the promising world of airborne wind energy systems, which capitalize on the consistent and powerful winds found at high altitudes. The SkySails Power System uses patented technology, which includes a large power kite, a launch and recovery system, a control system, and a ground station generator to harness this energy. The system operates by flying the kite at altitudes between 200 to 800 meters, generating energy by unwinding and retracting the tether during different phases of operation. This technology is applicable both onshore and offshore, providing a versatile and robust solution for tapping into renewable wind energy.

Highlights

SkySails technology harnesses high-altitude winds for energy 🌬️
The system is composed of a power kite, tether, and generator 🎡
Kites operate between 200 - 800 meters altitude for optimal energy ⚡
The innovative design is suited for both onshore and offshore installations 🏝️
SkySails' application initially stems from ship propulsion technologies 🚢

Key Takeaways

High-altitude winds offer about twice the energy as winds closer to the ground 🌬️
SkySails Power uses a patented technology to harness this untapped energy potential ⚡
The system includes a power kite, automatic control, and a rotating ground station 🎢
Kites fly in figures of eight to maximize energy yield during the power phase ➰
This technology can be installed onshore or offshore, providing flexible renewable energy solutions 🌍

Overview

SkySails Power is pioneering the use of high-altitude wind energy systems, taking advantage of stronger and steadier winds found far above ground level. Their ingenious system consists of a power kite, a tether, and a ground station that work together to convert these powerful winds into usable electricity. By operating the kite at altitudes up to 800 meters, they can access nearly double the energy present at traditional wind turbine heights.

The technology is not only innovative but also incredibly efficient. During the operation, the kite flies in patterns that maximize its pull before returning to a position that reduces drag, allowing the tether to retract with minimal energy consumption. This cyclical method of energy generation ensures that more energy is added to the grid than is used up, creating a clean and efficient energy production process.

Although originally developed for ship propulsion, SkySails' technology has now been adapted for broader applications. The adaptable nature of the systems means they can be set up in various locations, both onshore and offshore. This versatility makes it an attractive option for meeting global energy needs, offering a sustainable and scalable solution to harnessing renewable wind power around the world.

Chapters

00:00 - 01:00: Introduction to Airborne Wind Energy Systems The chapter "Introduction to Airborne Wind Energy Systems" explains the advantages of harnessing wind energy from higher altitudes. It highlights the fact that wind is stronger and more consistent at higher altitudes due to reduced friction with the earth's surface, resulting in nearly double the energy availability at 800 meters compared to 100 meters. The chapter also introduces the technology of large, fully automatic towing kites used for generating energy from high-altitude winds, citing SkySails Power as a developer in this field.
01:00 - 02:00: SkySails Power System Components The 'SkySails Power System Components' chapter discusses innovative energy systems harnessing high-altitude winds through the SkySails technology. These airborne wind energy systems can exploit immense wind energy at an industrial scale. A highlight of the chapter is the description of the globally patented SkySails power system, which comprises five main components, including a free-flying power kite tethered to a ground station with a launch and recovery system.
02:00 - 03:00: Operation and Energy Generation Process This chapter discusses an automatic control system and a generator designed to produce electrical energy at a rotating ground station. It describes the procedure for launching a folded power kite, detailing how it is lifted from storage, positioned at the launch and landing mast, and unfolded to its full size by the inflowing air to prepare for launch.
03:00 - 04:00: Tether Retraction and Landing The chapter titled 'Tether Retraction and Landing' describes the process where a winch extends the tether of a kite until it reaches an operational altitude ranging from 200 to 800 meters. Once the tether is unwound from the winch, which is connected to a power generator, energy is generated. To enhance the pulling force and boost the system's energy output, the kite performs maneuvers in the shape of an eight during what is referred to as the power phase.
04:00 - 05:00: Installation and Offshore Capabilities The chapter explains the process of power kite operation focusing on the tether's retrieval phase. Once the tether reaches its maximum extension, it enters the retrieval phase where the power kite adjusts to a position with low pulling force. During this phase the generator switches roles to act as a motor, recoiling the tether. This process uses only a small portion of the energy generated during the power phase, while the surplus energy is fed into the grid.
05:00 - 06:00: SkySails Propulsion and Current Offerings The chapter entitled 'SkySails Propulsion and Current Offerings' discusses the operational cycle and installation versatility of the SkySails power system. The system features a power kite that is retracted by a winch to dock at the launch and landing mast for retraction and storage. The SkySails system offers installation options both onshore, as mobile or fixed installations, and offshore, using conventional or floating foundations, similar to turbines.

SkySails Power: Technology of Airborne Wind Energy Systems Transcription

00:00 - 00:30 it is a simple fact due to the lack of friction with the earth's surface the wind blows harder and more steady at higher altitudes as a result there is usually almost twice as much wind energy available at 800 meters compared to 100 meters a key technology used to generate energy from high altitude wind is large and fully automatic towing kites sky sales power is developing wind
00:30 - 01:00 energy systems based on the well-known sky sales technology for the first time the enormous energy potential of high winds can be used on an industrial scale they are so-called airborne wind energy systems [Music] the globally patented sky sales power system consists of five main components a free-flying power kite on a tether a launch and recovery system
01:00 - 01:30 an automatic control system and a generator for producing electrical energy in a rotating ground station for takeoff the folded power kite is lifted out of storage it is then positioned to take off height at the launch and landing mast the inflowing air unfolds the kites to its full size until it is launched
01:30 - 02:00 then a winch extends the tether until the kite reaches its operational altitude of 200 to 800 meters [Music] the kite unwinds the tether from the winch that is connected to a power generator energy is generated [Music] to increase the pulling force and the system's energy yield the kite is flown in figures of eight during this so-called power phase
02:00 - 02:30 once the tether reaches its maximum extension the retrieval phase begins the power kite is flowing to a position that creates a low pulling force the generator now acts as a motor and recoils the tether this consumes only a fraction of the energy generated in the power phase the remaining energy surplus feeds into the grid
02:30 - 03:00 the cycle then restarts for landing the winch retracts the tether completely and the power kite is docked to the launch and landing mast the power kite is reefed and lowered at the mast after which it is stowed away the sky sales power system can be installed on shore in the form of mobile or fixed installations and offshore on conventional or floating foundations in this way the turbines can also be
03:00 - 03:30 easily and quickly secured in greater water depths of up to 700 meters using proven mooring technology to help the readily available offshore supply vessels the sky sales power technology is based on the well-known and worldwide patented sky sales propulsion for ships it has been tested in tough everyday life on board sea-going vessels and replaces up to two megawatts of propulsion power from the main engine
03:30 - 04:00 in favorable wind conditions with the help of 400 square meters fully automatic kites [Music] mobile sky sales power systems with an output of up to 200 kilowatts are already available today systems with capacities in the megawatt range will be available to order shortly