Author(s)

D. Thorpe & P. Trivailo

Abstract

This paper presents the simulation of a tethered lifting device for wind power generation using Simulink®. An explanation of the underlying power extraction methodology will precede a description of the mathematical model. Heuristic controls are then developed to demonstrate net power generation using a tethered aircraft. This work serves as an in principal demonstration of wind power generation using a tethered aircraft. Keywords: tether, winch, control, kite, generator, renewable, energy, wind, glider, altitude. 1 Introduction Reclining fossil fuel reserves, increasing carbon emissions and increasingly fast climate change are profound reasons to pursue renewable, environmentally friendly sources of energy. Wind energy is a well-known alternative to nonrenewable energy and usually brings the image of a windmill or wind turbine to mind, a beautiful structure pointing out from the earth with large blades rotating majestically about the hub. In this work however we look at harnessing high altitude wind energy due to the fact that it is much more consistent and is of much higher potential [1]. There have been several proposed methods of extracting high altitude wind energy. The work of Fletcher et al. [2] explored several variants of tethered turbine generators with Fletcher and Roberts exploring high altitude wind energy resources in earlier work [1]. The crux of their ideas was to place a turbine at altitude, tethered to the ground with energy travelling down a conductive cable. Lloyd proposed the flying of closed loop orbits to increase the apparent wind and hence available power for a kite based generator either as a towing device or with on board turbines [3].

Keywords

tether, winch, control, kite, generator, renewable, energy, wind, glider, altitude