Run a production
line: With generator aloft charge battery; let battery downing mass help bring
up next battery to be charged. Continue process. JpF for
FairIP
M1404 and
File
Then:
M1449 by DS for FairIP: A weird "tether conductance" concept is
a battery ladder mill,
where a cable loop of batteries rise discharged & return to earth charged. Its
not immediately clear how powerful this idea might prove. Winged & ballistic
batteries have interesting power curves.
A control system for a windmill
kite having a platform tethered by at least
one tethering line, and supporting a plurality of rotors that provide lift
to keep the kite aloft and to generate
electrical power. The control system comprises a computer and controller.
The computer comprises a memory circuitry accessible by a microprocessor,
the memory circuitry storing data representing at least one set of stored
reference values. The controller arranged for regulating at least one
functional parameter of the kite by
controlling at least one operating characteristic of the rotors, with the
computer cyclically retrieving a plurality of sensed environmental
parametric values from sensors disposed on or near the
kite, and processes a set of output ...
A control yoke anchor system (11)
for many uses of a kite, for example a
kite-powered vehicle, has a control yoke (28)
releasably attached to an anchor (12). The lower end of a longitudinal
member (20) is coupled to a base (14). The base (14) is mounted on, or is
part of a vehicle propellable by a flying kite
controlled by user manipulation of one or more control lines (31) coupled
between the control yoke (28) and the kite. A
first pivotal coupling (22) on the upper end of the longitudinal member is
releasably couplable to the control yoke (28). A second pivotal coupling
(24) can be pivotally coupled between the base (14) and the lower end of
the longitudinal member. The longitudinal member may be flexible.
Releasable coupling of the contr...
The invention relates to a
control device for a steering kite on a boat.
Said steering kite can be steered by means of
a steering device and at least two or three, preferably at least four or
five, suspension lines. According to the invention, the control device
comprises at least one force introduction rail which extends essentially
horizontally over the water line, and on which a deviation device for the
suspension lines is positioned in such way that it can move back and forth.
The rail is fixed to the boat between the steering
kite and the steering device in such a way that the traction force
of the steering kite produces torque about the
longitudinal axis and/or the transversal axis of the boat in the water, by
means of which the side ...
A wind system (1) is described
for converting energy comprising at least one kite
(2) that can be driven from ground immersed in at least one wind current
(W) and at least one module (5) adapted to translate on at least one rail
(6; 7) placed next to the ground, such module (5) being connected through
at least one rope (4) to the kite (2), in
order to drag the module (5) on the rail (6; 7) and to perform a conversion
of wind energy into electric energy through at least one electric energy
generating system cooperating with module (5) and rail (6; I) 1 such rope
(4) being adapted both to transmit mechanical energy from and to the
kite (2) and to control the flight trajectory
of the kite (2).
The kite
employs a flexible leading edge (11) with one or more spines (12, 13)
orientated substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of
the kite. The spines (12, 13) may be in a
number of constructions but substantially all constructions provide a shape
so as to assist in producing camber in the kite
skin. The kite may include either flexible or
rigid bridling with a number of attachment points of the leading edge (11)
and spines (12, 13).
A traction
kite in use is arch-shaped, when flying lines (1a, 1b, 2a, 2b) are
connected to a flier, boat, buggy, etc. The kite's
leading edge (9) when viewed in plan, with the kite
laid out flat, is concave at centre section (A) and straight or convex near
wing tips (5a-5b). The kite is rigidified by
ram air, pneumatic tube framing on a single skin, etc. The convexity of the
shoulders of leading edge (9) resists shoulder collapse due to line loading
whilst the concavity of centre section (A) allows lower angles of attack.
A kite
control assembly permitting arch-type kites (10) with four attachment
points to be flown with two control lines (20, 21) and further including
changeable length line elements which may be set to cause particular
performance by the kite (10) under given wind
conditions and to make the kite (10) optimally
maneuverable. Cross bridles (38, 39), changeable in length, may be used to
alter the turning radius of the kite (10) in
various wind conditions. Line guides (44, 45) and line stops (46, 47) may
be provided for rapidly de-powering the kite
(10).
A system for generating
electricity from wind power having a kite
member, having a variable air surface, a plurality of control cables
extending between the kite member and a ground
station, the ground station having a main mast, the main mast pivotable
between a retracted position and an extended position, conversion means for
converting the motion of the main mast between the retracted position and
the extended position into electricity as the kite
member is extended from the ground station, retraction means for retracting
the kite when the kite
reaches a selected distance from the ground station, retraction means for
retracting the main mast from the extended position to the retracted
position, and a control system for selectively contro...
Disclosed is a traction
kite comprising a tube frame that has the
shape of an arch in the used condition and a top sail (6, 7, 8) which is
connected to the tube frame. The tube frame is provided with a leading
air-filled approach flow tube (1) forming a leading approach flow edge
relative to the direction of flight. The inventive traction
kite is characterized by the fact that the top
sail (6, 7, 8) is provided with at least one passage (3) for a supporting
air flow while the tube frame encompasses at least one trailing approach
flow tube (2) forming a trailing approach flow edge in the area of the
passage (3). The inventive traction kite is
characterized by a greater ascending force and therefore improved flying
properties, especially a st...
The invention relates to a boat
using the wind as a prime mover without generating important rolling and
yawing moments. This boat which is powered by a kite
comprises an arm (1) hinged at one extremity (2) to the boat, and means for
controlling the arm (1) in inclination (3) and in orientation (4), the free
end (5) of the arm (1) being the traction point wherein connection lines
(6) leave the boat to join the kite.
Appropriate inclination (3) and orientation (4) of the arm (1) cause the
traction straight-line (10) of the kite pass
close to the center-board (11) of the boat, thereby reducing and even
cancelling the rolling and yawing moments. The boat of the invention is
particularly intended to rapid displacement using the wind.
SKYSTREME U.K. LIMITED PASCOE, Vernon, George
HANNING, Bernard, William
An inflatable
kite (150) comprises a plurality of
longitudinal inflatable tubes (54) and a transverse inflatable tube (53) at
the rear end, and when the kite is inflated,
the front end has a larger cross-sectional area than the rear end. When
inflated the rear edge and side edges are co-planar. Air vents (57, 157)
are provided. The kite may be inflated and
launched manually or by an automatic launcher (20).
One aspect of the invention
provides a method and apparatus for converting wind energy to another form
of energy. The apparatus comprises one or more kite
tethered to ground or water-based means and means for controlling the
kite(s) to follow an oscillatory path of
movement. The ground or water-based means having elements or members
thereof capable of oscillatory movement driven by the oscillatory movement
of the kite or kites to convert energy derived
from movement of the kite or kites into
kinetic, potential and/or electrical energy.
A ram air inflated soft
kite (spanwise section depicted) has upper
(30) and lower (31) skins joined at sides (32, 33) and trailing edge (not
shown). The leading edge (not shown) has openings allowing ram
air-inflation. Skins (30, 31) are connected inward of their edges by links
(34) consisting of chordwise extending ribs or cords spaced spanwise and
chordwise. Curvature of the kite is produced
by the shape of links (34) or by altering their spacing, eg closer, in the
spanwise direction, on upper skin (30) than on lower skin (31) so that
wingtips (37, 38) curve upwards, preferably at 15°, to form a dihedral. Yaw
and edging type instability in higher aspect ratio kites may be controlled
by varying the depth of the leading edge of the kite
at...
A ram-air airfoil stunt
kite has its upper forward edge provided with
two stiffener members (38, 40) that provide a rounded leading edge and are
connected together by a flexible joint (46). Two operator-held control
strings (62, 68) are connected to bridles which are, in turn, connected to
keels (52, 54) on the kite. The outboard
bridle strings (72, 73) are shorter than the inboard bridle strings (70,
71) so as to remain taut during normal flying operations. When the apparent
wind velocity increases, the kite becomes
transversely curved, whereupon the inboard bridle strings become taut to
establish an optimum maximum curvature.
An object holding and releasing
mechanism (11) for use in combination with a kite
(K), a flight string (S) having a first end (FE) for being held by the
flyer of the kite and having a second end
(SE), and an object (O) to be released after being carried aloft by the
kite. The object holding and releasing
mechanism includes a first member (13) for being attached to the
kite; a holding mechanism (15) for holding the
object to be released; and a second member (17) for being attached to the
second end of the flight string, the second member being hingeably attached
to the first member for movement between a closed position in which the
object to be released is held by the holding mechanism and a opened
position in which the object to be release...
A kite
reel device having a rectangular housing providing a cylindrical frame and
a spool having ribs with a v-shaped outer edge, the spool being rotatably
mounted onto a cylindrical axle located within a center aperture of the
frame. A reel providing a handle is mounted to one side of the frame, while
a knob for holding the device is affixed to the other side. Recesses within
the frame releasably secure the handle to the frame. A hole in the center
of the top side of the frame accommodates the passage of
kite string onto the spool. The v-shape of the
spool rib outer edges assists in keeping the kite
string centered and from getting tangled around the axle. Another
embodiment provides a ground anchor, a shoulder harness strap, a digital
cou...
An aerial platform comprising a
kite providing a level of directional
stability when elevated by the wind, and an inflated balloon attached above
the kite with a cord. The payload is attached
to the kite. The physical separation of the
balloon from the kite isolates the payload
from shocks generated by the balloon. Additional isolation is provided by
use of an elastic attachment cord. Electric power is supplied to the aerial
platform by means of an optical fiber receiving optical power from a
ground-based source, and conversion of the optical power to electrical
power on board the platform. In order to provide a strong tether line, the
optical fiber is plaited with a jacket braided from high tensile strength
fibers. An aerial laser transmit...
A towable, non-self-propelled,
non-airtight, manned underwater kite which has
a main frame (11) which is sized to allow a person to be supported thereby
in a horizontal position, a front canopy (12) which is in front of the
person's head to deflect water away from the person's head, and foot
operated elevator means (13) adjacent a rear portion of the main frame (11)
which allows the rise and fall of the kite to
be controlled.
A device for managing lines of a
kite has a means for securing the device to a
control bar of a kite and a line attachment
portion of the device, the line attachment portion having a plurality of
means for detachably retaining lines of a kite.
The means for securing is formed to have an internally cylindrical sleeve
having a longitudinal opening. Opposing portions of the sleeve adjacent the
longitudinal opening are biased towards each other, and are elastically
flexible to allow insertion of the control bar while frictionally retaining
the control bar once inserted. The means for detachably retaining lines is
formed as a slit in a circumferential direction with respect to the sleeve,
which slit is formed to frictionally and removably retain...
The invention relates to a
paraglider or a stunt kite that resembles a
paraglider. Said paraglider or kite is
provided with one cell (1) that essentially extends across the entire
surface of the canopy and that is essentially not sub-divided, or with a
plurality of cells (1) that are arranged one beside the other and that are
at least somewhat spaced apart from one another or that are merely
separated by lateral delimitations (2). Said delimitations (2) and/or the
cells (1) are arranged in a substantially parallel and/or angular
orientation to the longitudinal axis (4) of the canopy (5) with respect to
the direction of flight (3). The one or more cells (1) are substantially
gas-tight and are at least partially filled with a gas. Once filled...
Disclosed is a new technical
component for a kite in the form of a check
loop (4) serving to variably fix the straight and/or curved
kite rods (3) regardless of the diameter of
the rod thereby influencing the tension of the sail. Said check loops (4)
provide two special advantages in relation to ordinary plastic rod
connectors or tunnel-like batten pockets placed on the surface of the sail
(1) with the purpose of rigidly fixing the rods. On the one hand, less time
is needed for sewing and assembly during production while on the other hand
the central sail area (1) can be optionally be decorated with a valuable
design due to the fact that it remains fully untouched or intact since no
fixing seams or reinforcing materials are required inside ...
Disclosed is a placement system
for a free-flying kite-type wind-attacked
element (101) in a watercraft in which the kite-type
wind-attacked element (101) comprising a profiled wing is connected to the
vessel body via a traction rope (1.1). Said wind-attacked element (101) can
be guided from a neutral position on board the watercraft into a raised
position that is free from obstacles located at the same or a higher level.
An azimuthally pivotable fixture (181) is provided by means of which the
wind-attacked element (101) can be brought into a position in which the
same is exposed to an sufficient wind effect. Furthermore, a docking
receiving device (181) is provided which is to be removably connected to
the docking adapter of the wind-attac...
The invention relates to a water
craft comprising a kite-type element, which is
connected to said water craft by means of a traction cable (1). Said water
craft is characterised in that the kite-type
element (23) is equipped with adjusting devices, which are supplied with
energy from the water craft (21), said energy being transmitted in the
traction cable (1) or by an element on the latter.
The invention relates to a water
craft comprising a kite-type element, which is
connected to the water craft by means of a traction cable (3). Said water
craft is characterised in that the kite-type
element is equipped with adjusting devices and an energy generation unit
(1), which delivers energy when the tractive force that is exerted on the
traction cable (3) is modified.
Kite
frame, used in particular in wind-driven craft comprising a wing (10)
composed of inflatable compartments (14) placed side by side, having air
inlets (24) and interconnected by their lateral sides (16) and suspension
cords (12) characterized in that the latter (12) are placed in a single
row, at the rear of the leading edge and in that the profile section is
self-gliding and a wing-type kite frame
characterized in that a part of the trailing edge of each half-plane of the
sail is stiffened so as to form an aileron and in that it comprises means
for manoeuvring the stiffened part.
The invention concerns a vehicle
(A) designed to be towed by a kite. It
consists of a chassis (1) whereon are fixed two aligned steering wheels (2)
and an offset non-steering wheel (3) whereof the axis of rotation merges in
plan view with the right bisector (M) of the segment linking the two
steering wheels (2). It comprises a pedal mechanism (4) enabling the
steering wheels (2) to be steered via connecting rods (5) so that the
steering wheels are symmetrically steered relative to the right bisector
(M). The seat (6) as well as the pedal mechanism (4) are arranged such that
the pilot is seated close to the ground, perpendicularly to the trajectory,
providing both for a stable and convenient position for controlling the
kite.
40.
(025)
(WO 1990/001001) A DEPRESSOR
08.02.1990 B63B 21/66 THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE IN HER
BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND
NORTHERN IRELAND JEPSON, Gerald, Frederick
A depression
kite for taking towed bodies down to a certain
depth and maintaining them at that depth. Previous kites have been very
large and heavy, with very high drag. The kite
of the invention comprises a hull plate (1), a deflector (2) attached to
the hull plate, a keel (3) extending below the hull plate to which is
attached a stabilising fin (4) and a stabilising fin (5) or fins (8a) and
(8b) which have a variable position tail plane (9), is attached to the
upper surface of the hull plate. This kite
allows high towing speeds whilst being light weight and possessing low drag
and may be used to maintain towed cables at a predetermined depht.
The Kitepower Generator uses one
or more kites that go through a oscillating cycle of motion creating
varying forces on their tether lines. These varying forces are converted
into rotation, using a crankshaft. The cycle of motion may be driven by the
inherent kite design or through the action of
two or more tether lines connected to a crankshaft. The pull from the lines
is stronger when they pull out and weaker when they are being pulled in.
The cycle of motion may involve flapping, swirling, waving, swooping,
veering or feathering. Several kites may be connected or combined into a
single composite kite. Efficiency is higher
with three or more lines so that one is always pulling out strongly.
Various techniques keep kites aloft in still or ...
System for converting wind energy
is described, comprising at least one kite (1)
that can be driven from ground immersed in at least one wind current W and
a vertical-axis wind turbine (2), placed at, ground level, such wind
turbine (2) being equipped with at least one arm (3) connected through two
ropes (4) to the kite (1), such
kite (1) being adapted to be driven through
the turbine (2) to rotate the arm (3) and convert wind energy into electric
energy through at least one generator/motor system (15a, 15b) operating as
generator that co-operates with the turbine (2), the ropes (4) being
adapted both to transmit mechanical energy from and to the kites (1), and
to control the flight trajectory of the kites (1). A process for producing
elect...
A system (10) is described for
performing the automatic control of the flight of at least one
kite (11) controlled and driven by cables (13)
comprising at least one first actuating motor (12) adapted to exert an
unwinding-rewinding action of such cables (13) on respective winches (14a,
14b) and at least one second actuating motor (15) adapted to perform a
differential control action of such cables ( 13).
The present invention discloses a
seat board for board kiting that is made of a substantially high durability
of material, having a seating recess thereon, thereby permitting a rider to
enjoy the board kiting in a convenient way. The seat board for board kiting
that has a seating recess formed at an upper central portion thereof, is in
a shape of a generally small boat and has a kite
fixed thereto to thereby obtain a propelling force, the seat board
including: a body made of a polystyrene foam material; a resin layer made
of fiber glass and formed on the external surface of the body for
preventing the damage caused upon collision of the body against an external
object; and kite fixing means provided
slidably in the seating recess for fixing...
A steerable single or
multi-compartment, sled-shaped, inflatable kite
having at least a pair of substantially longitudinal gas chambers (3, 4) as
beams. When the kite is inflated, it is
generally in the form of a tapered rectangle with triangular keels (1, 2)
attached to each outside gas chamber (3, 4). Keels may also be optionally
attached to each of any inside gas chambers. There is a non-inflatabel area
(10) between the longitudinal gas chambers that provides sail area or
additional sail area. Bridal attachment islets (7, 8) are provided on the
keels (1, 2). An islet row (9) provides attachment points for a tail,
drogue or the like.
A vaneless rotary
kite (10) suitable for rotation in a direction
perpendicular to the wind flow is provided with a symmetrical wind
receiving surface (12) supported by a frame (22) and open at the ends
thereof permitting the passage of air currents therethrough with a flexible
baffle (30) at the air outlet to control air flow and with at least two
vents (28) to facilitate rotation. This vaneless rotary
kite (10) can be maneuvered during rotative
flight.
A multi-tether
kite control device uses a winding (7)
mechanism to rewind the tether reels (5, 6). The mechanism is activated by
a pull-string (8) attached to the belt (13) or torso of the operator. By
repetitively moving the device away from and toward his body, the operator
can rewind one or both tethers without releasing his grasp upon the device
handles. Separate reels are used to coil the tethers attached to the
leading edges of the kite to provide a
controlled braking action.
A power controlled
kite system (70) including a variable-line
kite controller (52) with a rotatable spool
bar (84) carrying plural spools (110, 112, 114, 116), or a fixed-line
controlled. The systems also may include deployment mechanisms (110, 112,
114, 116), sheeting mechanisms (200), cleating mechanisms (240) for the
sheeting mechanisms, safety releases (320), and line protectors (300) for
use with variable- and/or fixed-line controllers.
A towel and blanket wrap (10) for
an infant is cut in a kite shape. The four
corners (12, 14) of the kite configuration are
adapted to be worn by an infant such that the first corner(12), the hood
portion (60), a double layer of material forming a hood opening covers the
baby's head when worn, the lower opposite end portion (34) folds inward
over the leg covering to also swaddle baby’s arms. To secure baby as well
as it’s covering; a strap (52) secures all folds together for warmth and
protection. Additional types of fastening systems are disclosed as well as
shape of material. The kite shaped wrap (10)
can be fabricated using several manufacturing techniques.
Conversion arrangement for kayak
with stabilizer, keel, rudder, and rudder pedals. A funcTional accessory
arrangement for converting a kayak that will use the same kites as the
kite surfer's use for propulsion, the
conversion includes a rudder, keel and stabilizer,the stabilizer is
designed to keep the kayak upright even if the kite
is 90 degrees to the vessels beam and it allows the kavak to tack into the
wind.
In an apparatus for facilitating
aerial photography, a camera is secured to a three-dimensional geometric
kite in a position that is substantially fixed
relative to the kite. The camera is configured
for taking aerial photographs while said kite
is in flight.
The invention relates to a
wind-power unit having a kite (1 ) having a
line (3), which is connected with a generator (2) in a ground station.
Control means (4, 7) are arranged to set the position of the
kite (1 ) in relation to the wind (W). By
coupling means (5), the generator is (2) connected with an electric mains
(6). According to the invention, the coupling means (5) comprises an
electrical energy converter connected with the stator of the generator (2).
The invention also relates to a method for generating electrical energy,
where the tensile force from a kite is
utilized to drive a generator. The current from the generator is converted
and is delivered to the mains.
Disclosed is a tube
kite comprising two front lines (14, 16) that
are combined into a traction line (26) and can be removably fastened to the
surfer, and two back lines (18, 20) which can be fixed to a bar (4). An
additional line (22) is provided which acts as a supplementary front line
during the flying phase.
Disclosed is a positioning device
for a free-flying kite-type wind-attacked
element (1) that comprises a profiled wing, is used as the exclusive, an
auxiliary, or an emergency drive unit, and is connected to a watercraft (4)
via a traction rope (1.1). Said positioning device is provided with a winch
(2) that encompasses means which cause the traction rope (1.1) to be taken
in when a given first tractive force is not attained and/or when the flow
is about to stop or has stopped abruptly and/or cause the traction rope
(1.1) to be veered when a given second tractive force and/or a given inflow
velocity are/is exceeded.
Disclosed is a wind-powered
watercraft (4) in which a free-flying kite-type
wind-attacked element (1) that is provided with a profiled wing and is used
as the exclusive, an auxiliary, or an emergency drive unit is connected to
the vessel (4) only via one traction rope (1.1), said traction rope (1.1)
optionally fanning out into a number of holding ropes. The wind-attacked
element (1) can be modified via at least one active driving element (1.2)
that is disposed thereupon and is effectively connected thereto by
modifying the aerodynamic effect thereof in order to be guided into a given
position relative to the watercraft (4) or to dynamically maneuver.
The sail of said
kite is configured by interconnecting two
trapezes by means of an intermediary rod common to both trapezes, each
trapeze including a reinforcement rod which extends between one of the
common apexes of both trapezes and the opposite apex, and an additional rod
which is arranged transverse to the above-mentioned rods and which links
the opposite extremities or the extremities which are further away from
each other of the two said trapezes. The control element is comprised of
two parts coupled to each other and having substantially the shape of a
boomerang, with the second handle-like part being coupled to the first part
at its central point, both parts forming together a "T". The control is
based on the use of three pairs of ...
The invention concerns a
dirigible autogyro helicopter kite, flying in
an average wind, comprising two propellers, optimised according to flying
criteria.
The invention concerns a board
designed for traction by a sailwing or a kite,
enabling to optimise the manoeuvrability and capacity of sailing upwind.
The shape of said novel board is characterised by a transverse symmetrical
axis and by a dissymetry along the longitudinal axis. In particular on said
board, the windward curvature of the board (1) differs from the leeward
edge (2), the windward half fairing section (8) is different from the
leeward one (5); similarly the windward edges or sailtracks (4) and the
leeward ones (7) are different and each is specially designed for a
particular function. The daggerboards or fins are arranged on either side
of the board and likewise dissymetrically.
The invention concerns a control
bar system for a kite. The bar system
comprises: a housing (15) with two opposite openings and including a
driving shaft passing through said housing (15), substantially
perpendicular to the line passing through two openings (2A, 2B), reeling
members (3) integral in rotation with said driving shaft, capable of
receiving at least two yarn reels (2), each yarn adapted to be driven in
translation in substantially opposite directions through said openings (2A,
2B); and two tubular elements (1A, 1B) extending said two openings (2A, 2B)
in two mutually opposite directions and each tipped with a free end (3A,
3B), said yarns (2) being each designed to pass through one of the tubular
elements (1A, 1B) to emerge at e...
The invention concerns a winding
device for a flexible kite-retaining yarn,
comprising a grip bar (2) equipped with a rotary winder (14) for winding
and unwinding gradually the length of line desired by the pilot. The winder
(14) comprises: a rectilinear support arm (18) mounted freely rotating on a
shaft (20) perpendicular to the grip bar (12); two brackets (22A, 22B)
shaped like yokes secured to the ends of the support arm (18) for fixing
and storing the yarn, and diametrically opposite relative to the shaft (20)
by being arranged on either side of the extending direction of the support
arm (18) with an angle of inclination; and self-locking means for at least
one bracket (22A, 22B) when the winder (14) is rotating in the direction
unwind...
The invention concerns a marine
craft (1) comprising a floating body (2), means adapted to generate a
centre-board effect, in particular a centre-board (4, 6) projecting beneath
the floating body, and a rigging (8). Said rigging comprises at least a
directional kite (12) forming a canopy (10)
and a series of sheets (M, P, Q) controlling the canopy linked to the
craft, the series of sheets including a main sheet (M) and two directional
sheets (P, Q), and a substantially punctiform member for guiding the main
sheet (M) and for applying tractive force of said sheet on the craft. The
rigging further comprises means for spatial orientation of the axis of the
resultant of the tractive force exerted by the rigging on the craft so as
to almost comp...
A control and fixing device, for
the sail of a kite, comprises a strut element
(11), fixed to each end of the sail (1), between sliding bodies (9A, 9B)
securing the passage of a sliding foreline (8A) and for the maintenance of
a given separation between the front and rear attachments (5A, 5B)
independently of the tension applied to the ends of said foreline.
The invention relates to a power
management device for a sail of a traction kite,
comprising, for example, an inflatable elliptical single-skin structure.
The sail also comprises an adjustable slit (10) which is disposed
essentially perpendicular to the trailing edge (3) and which can be
exploited using mechanical means including a lace (5), in order to reduce
or increase the lifting surface of the sail by varying the conical form
thereof.
The invention relates to a fin
unit (2) with elastic attachment system on an underside (1) of a marine
apparatus, such as a wind surf, kite surf, fly
surf, wakeboard, knee board and particularly a surfboard. The fin in the
mounting thereof is partially made to self-align in the flow of liquid
medium with the aim of avoiding the hydrodynamic stall caused by the
passage of high turbulence and/or large lateral movements caused by the
surfer in extreme motion. The possibility for self-orientation is due to
three fundamental parameters which are: the type of elasticity of the
attachment system (3-4-5-27), the forward position of the centre of gravity
G towards the leading edge (15) and the form of the root profile (9) of the
fin (2) which has a ...
A kite
or drogue for marine use comprises divergent side panels (18) (optionally
extending rearwardly into integral fins (33)) connected by four vanes (19,
20, 21, 22) of curved cross-section, through which passes a central pillar
(23). A rigid structure including an apertured tow bar (28) extends
forwardly of the vanes and provides a selection of points of connection for
a pair of wire strops (30). For use as a sea anchor the
kite may be deployed from a vessel by a single
line connected to both strops: for use as emergency steering gear each
strop is preferably connected by a separate line to a respective side of
the vessel's stern, means, such as a sheet winch, being provided to adjust
the length of each line independently.
A wheeled board (1) for carrying
a rider holding on to a kite for propulsion.
The board has a support platform (2) on which the rider stands, and wheel
sets (3, 4) attached at either end of the board. A pair of foot retaining
straps (18, 19) are provided on the support platform, spaced longitudinally
from each other, the arrangement being such that each foot of a rider will
be located laterally asymmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis
(5) of the board with a bias towards the side of the longitudinal axis of
the board on which the heels are positioned. The support platform is
laterally asymmetrical, with the major part (13) of the support platform
being on the heel side. On the heel side, the support platform has a
profile which ...
A securing device for kitesurfing
for hooking and unhooking the wing from the kiter body, comprises a
connection bar (1) intended to be fixed to the kiter body and a hook (4)
protruding from the bar (1) for engaging the ends of a couple of cables
coming from the front corners of the wing. A clasp (6) protrudes from the
bar (1) in correspondence to the hook which can be placed on the hook to
assure the closing of the hook. The clasp is movable to allow the unhooking
of the couple of cable ends from the hook. At least in the engagement
position, the clasp is stably locked on the hook by a moderate force due to
mechanical interference.
The invention relates to a
monoboard for kitesailing by an operator seating on it. The monoboard has:
a combined centre of mass of the board and operator; at least one steerable
aft fin arranged on the lower side behind the combined centre of mass; at
least one steerable fore fin arranged in front of the combined centre of
mass; a steering member arranged for manipulation by the operator; and a
linking mechanism linking the steering member, the at least one fore fin
and at least one aft fin for positive steering upon manipulation of the
steering member. The monoboard can have two of said steerable aft fins
arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis and/or two of
said steerable fore fins arranged symmetrically with respect ...
An improved framework for a
kite is disclosed comprising a plurality of
spars including a leading spreader spar (12); a trailing spreader spar (14)
disposed parallel to each other; a spinal spar (10) with one end affixed to
about centre of said leading spreader spar and other end affixed to about
centre of the trailing spreader spar, forming a substantially 1-shape
configuration; left (16L) and right (16R) leading edge spars connecting the
respective left ends and right ends of said leading and trailing spreader
spars. A nose section is provided forward of the leading spreader spar
comprising a nose arch spar (32) spanning to connect one end of the leading
spreader spar to the other end in a forward pointing arch; and a crossbar
spar (40) d...
The present invention relates to
kites that are controllable to perform stunts. The improved stunt
kite wing structure is provided comprising an
aerodynamic dihedral sail structure having a fabric sail (4) tensioned on a
supporting frame comprised of lateral brace members (8) and a longitudinal
member (10) intermediate the ends of the lateral braces (8) together with
connecting opposing lateral spar members (7). The tensioning of the sail
(4) and the configuration of the supporting frame is such that the sail (4)
assumes a dihedral shape (2), with the sail (4) being caused to assume a
tensioned or stressed condition along a portion of the leading edge of the
sail intermediate the respective lateral ends of the sail such that the
sail is spa...
A preferred embodiment of the
present invention includes a kite having a
sail with a left (16L) and right (16R) wing, each being connected to a
supporting frame. The frame has a leading edge support member (29)
associated with a left (35) and right (36) wing strut member. It also
includes bridle means having a horizontal line member (46) connected to the
leading edge support member (29), a left (48) and right (50) wing vertical
line member connected to the left (35) and right (36) wing vertical strut
member. The horizontal line member (46) is connected to the left (48) and
right (50) wing vertical line members at upper left (52) and right (54)
control line contact points. The control lines include an upper left line
(4) and an upper right l...
Sheet material is used for
forming connectors for a kite. A nosepiece
(12) having first and second panels (24, 26) with their forward edges
connected together and provided with spaced holes (30) is disclosed. A
tailpiece connector (14) formed of two panels (47, 49) of sheet material
having two longitudinal seams (50, S2, S3) connecting them to the sail (2,
164) is also disclosed.
A 'box-kite',
loop antenna system (100) with a detector loop (120) fed at the corner and
provided on a substrate. The loop antenna may be employed with a parabolic
reflector (130), a Faraday shield and fed with a transmission line,
impedance matching transformer for an umbalanced line.
Aerodynamic wing to propel a
broad range of transport vehicles, principally sail craft. The wing
provides a single layer (1) kite structure
capable of flying without surface discontinuity, bridles, or rigid or
semi-rigid structure. All stresses are converted into tension and
transferred to the lines (6) for propelling the vehicle.
An all terrain sports conveyance
able to traverse a wide variety of terrains, including, but not limited to,
dirt, grass, sand, and water, where control and agility on all terrains is
similar. The conveyance is particularly suited to use with traction such as
that provided by a kite or vehicle. When
ridden on land, a central wheel provides a pivot upon which the rider and
conveyance can rotate and tilt, providing a high degree of agility and
maneuverability. The conveyance may incorporate the use of the base, edges,
or additional wheels as control surfaces for steering, braking and
directional stabillity. Embodiments of the invention specification can be
optimised for amphibious use, for planing over water in the manner of a
kiteboard or su...
The present invention is a device
to measure wind velocity and/or direction. These measurements may be useful
for various outdoor activities including hunting, golfing, sailing,
fishing, photography, kite-flying,
parachuting, fireworks displays or other activities that are influenced by
wind conditions. In broader context, sensitive detection of pressure
(force) is important in everything from aeronautics to the design of
biological sensors The present invention provides a relatively simple,
inexpensive and sensitive pressure sensor (optical strain gauge) for
incorporation in a wind-measuring device. In some embodiments wind speed is
determined and wind direction is provided in relative terms, for example,
towards the user or away from a fi...
A device is provided for the
management of multiple lines attached to a bar, of the type used in power
kites for kiteboarding. The device is formed of an elongate body having a
shaft region, a spool region adjacent the shaft region and distal thereto,
and a line retaining region distal to the spool region. The shaft region
has a hollow body having a longitudinal groove running from a proximal
opening to a distal end point, and a bar retaining means for retaining a
bar against rotational or axial movement. The spool region has a spool
shaft defined by proximal and distal containment means for retaining
spooled lines wound about the spool shaft. A line retaining region has a
means for separately retaining one or more lines of a plurality of l...
The invention relates to a
leisure vehicle, which is guided between the legs and on which the driver
can sit. Gliding or rolling means located at the rear end permit locomotion
by means of a ski, a wheel, wheels or ice runners. The front section of the
vehicle rests on the knees by means of a knee plate, which can be rotated
about an axis that is parallel or approximately parallel to the thighs. The
driver wears skis, roller skates or ice skates on his or her feet to
correspond with the rear gliding or rolling means. Said rear gliding or
rolling means can optionally be steered. The vehicle is propelled down a
slope by gravity, by being towed by land or watercraft, by wind using a
kite or by repeated pulling on a rope or
cable, which is woun...
The invention relates to a
wind-propelled watercraft (1) whereby a kite-shaped
sail element (5) comprising at least one retaining line (4), the point of
application of force (3) thereof being variable according to the wind in
the direction of travel on the ship's body, can be connected to the ships
body. The aim of the invention is to achieve greater suppression of heeling
in a simple manner at a variably engaging point of application of force (3)
on the ship's body. According to the invention, a peripheral guide for at
least one guiding and fixing element forming a point of application of
force for the retaining line is arranged on the ship's body.
A flexible, propulsive wing of
the 4-line type especially suitable for kiteboarding, has, at the rear
portion of the wing tip a first pulley means attached thereto, the rear
line being connected to the rear portion of the wing tip through the first
pulley means. A pair of auxiliary re-launch lines are provided at each
respective side of the wing, each being fixedly connected at one end
thereof to the respective rear line, and at the other end to the trailing
edge of the wing.
The invention relates to a
kite, especially what is known as a tubekite,
comprising an upper sail (3a) and a lower sail (3b) and a first flexible
hose (2) which extends along the front side of the tubekite and which is
inflatable and which is arranged between the upper sail and lower sail.
According to the invention, at least one second inflatable profiled
flexible hose (4) is arranged in a substantially parallel manner in
relation to the first flexible hose between the upper sail and the lower
sail. The first flexible hose and the profiled flexible hose are
respectively joined to the upper sail and lower sail in such a way that the
first flexible hose and the profiled flexible hole are pressed against each
other when inflated. Alternately,...
Disclosed is a wind-powered
watercraft (4) in which at least one free-flying kite-type
wind-attacked element (1) having a profiled wing is connected to the vessel
body only via a traction rope as the exclusive, an auxiliary, or an
emergency drive unit. Said watercraft (4) is characterized in that control
means are provided which dynamically guide the wind-attacked element (1)
comprising a profiled wing (101) on a helical or sinusoidal trajectory that
is closed from the perspective of the watercraft but extends substantially
in a vertical direction relative to the air flow, at a velocity vector
running essentially perpendicular to the air flow of the wind. The
different trajectories or a static flying state can be variably selected by
the co...
The invention relates to a device
for converting wind energy to mechanical energy. Said device comprises a
wind-impacted element connected to a base station via a traction rope, a
traction rope reservoir, arranged on the base station and adapted to
receive a section of the traction rope, a control device adapted to
cyclically veer the traction rope from the traction rope reservoir and haul
it, an energy converter, adapted to convert energy from the wind power
transmitted by the wind-impacted element via the traction rope and the
movement of the section of the traction rope veered from the traction rope
reservoir to an electrical, thermodynamical or mechanical form of energy, a
steering device adapted to generate a steering movement by a fir...
ALESSANDRO QUERCETTI & C. - FABBRICA
GIOCATTOLI FORMATIVI - S.P.A.
A flying toy suitable for being
raised and then maintained in flight by the wind action, and controlled and
maneuvered by means of an anchorage cable in a manner similar to that of a
kite, that is provided with a birotor (1-6),
and wherein the blades (1-4) of each rotor are partially flexible. The
birotor is composed of two superimposed and coaxial rotors (1-6) and a
synchronization mechanism (13) which obliges said rotors to effect
symmetrical counter-rotations. Each blade (1-4) of each rotor comprises a
substantially rigid proximal portion (1 ) whose cross section has the shape
and the inclination incidence suggested by the laws of the aerodynamic, and
comprises a distal portion (3) having a noticeable capability of undergoing
flexional d...
The invention relates to an
aerodynamic wing, comprising an upper deck, wherein a plurality of ribs are
connected to the upper deck, said ribs lying in a plane parallel to the
direction of the vertical lifting force and the direction of the wind flow;
the aerodynamic wing being coupled to a base platform arranged below the
wing in service via a plurality of fastening lines, whereby the fastening
lines are secured to the ribs of the wing, at least two fastening lines are
secured to one rib at two line attachment points arranged at a distance
from each other in the longitudinal direction; wherein the at least two
line attachment points are connected to each other by a reinforcing load
transfer line extending from the line attachment point of ...
The invention relates to a
sail-based wind propulsion system and method for boats, in which boats are
provided with large sails which are secured along the vertices and/or edges
thereof using the ends of rotating or stationary arms and/or a point on the
deck and/or the end of the main mast and/or at least one heliostatic-balloon-type
supporting element in the form of a kite or a
paraglider. The rotating arms can retract longitudinally and occupy a
position along the side of the boat deck. The heliostatic balloons are
lifted further owing to the aerodynamic shape thereof and the action of the
wind. A microprocessor controls and constantly adjusts the position of the
arms and, consequently, the sails, as a function of the direction of the
win...
The invention relates to a device
for enabling a person or a group of persons to practise a sport, which
person(s) are held by a shared suspension means at a suspension point (5)
the movement of which is driven by the tractive power of a flying device
(1). The invention is characterized in that the person or group of persons
is connected by a connecting means (2) to an anchoring point (4) which is
raised in relation to the ground. The maximum length of the connecting
means (2) is less than the height of the anchoring point (4) so that the
person or group of persons does not touch the ground when the tractive
power of the flying device (1) ceases. The anchoring point (4) is
preferably raised by a support structure (3) which can consist of a ...
The invention concerns a pendular
nautical craft whereof the passengers are overhead in a nacelle travelling
above the water surface. It consists of: a floatable hull (1) equipped with
a control system; an arm (2) pivoting on the hull; a nacelle (3) attached
to the arm on its free part, and wherein are seated the passengers and the
set of controls; a kite-like sail (6) fixed to
the nacelle (3). The traction on the sail (6) exerted by the wind lifts the
nacelle (3) with its passengers above the water and provides, via the arm
(2), a propelling force to the hull (1). The piloting controls of the
craft, installed in the nacelle, are used to manoeuvre the hull control
system, the sail activity, to modify the craft displacement speed and
general...
The invention concerns a wing
structure (2) designed for traction of a wind-driven mobile craft, having a
leading edge substantially shaped like a semicircle with one first diameter
at rest in a first plane (Pa) and a trailing edge (12). The structure
comprises a reinforcement for rigidifying the wing including a leading
portion (4) at least in the shape of a coil, and a plurality of transverse
stiffeners (6, 6', 6''), the reinforcement being covered with an upper skin
(8) and a lower skin (10) assembled to form the trailing edge (12). The
width of the upper (8) and lower (10) skins continuously tapers from the
central portion of the leading edge substantially up to the respective ends
thereof, such that the trailing edge (12) has substanti...
The invention relates to a device
which is used automatically to release the lines of a power
kite or kitesurf when, under the force of the
wind, the bar applies pressure on a quick release jaw clip or snap hook.
According to the invention, the rear lines are fixed to the ends of the bar
and to the rear ends of the wing. Moreover, the clip or snap hook is
connected to the front lines which are in turn connected to the wing and to
the user by means of the device. The inventive device consists of: front
lines (1); jaw elements (2) belonging to the clip or snap hook; an axle (3)
comprising a shackle (9) around which the clip (2) or snap hook pivots;
lugs (5) belonging to the clip or snap hook; a spring (8); a bar (6), said
bar having the rear ...
The problem to resolve is to
create a sustentation and to keep the best stability (at flat without heel)
during the planed for quick multi-hulls of cruise in all the weathers. The
solution is obtaining by several characteristics: seel ' genmaker (spi) in
form of paraglider with one or two reefs at the border. see2: four foils
which can be several adjustable; inclination 45°, 90° (like drift) and 0\
in adjustable height, adjustable by rail towards front or rear. one wing
sailing-ship with adjustable angle of incidence. see3: ballast/sea water
tank which fill in by a pump in each hull. This pump is charged by battery
or pv module. see4: For ameliorate the stability during the long cruises,
you can add a roof with a kitchen, we and beds or s...
The invention relates to a board
for gliding composed of dismantlable elements to enable it to be placed in
a travel bag of small size. The board for gliding is composed of a float
(2) comprising at least two mutually articulated or separate parts (1) (2),
which float is coupled to a plate (4) by means of a fixing system (T) in
order to form a rigid, unsinkable monobloc assembly. The plate (4)
comprises all the accessories of a board for gliding, such as toe clips
(S), handles (6), positioned by the fixing system (7) composed of four
bolts (8). The plastic nuts (9) are of a suitable form to allow tightening
and loosening with just one hand and without tools. The assembly of which
the board for gliding according to the invention is composed ...
TALENT INDUSTRIES LIMITED HENDERSON, Anthony,
Alan
A collapsible and foldable
kite including frame members (1-5), a keel
member (7), spreader supports (8) and a sail (6), the frame members being
fixed to the sail with the keel member and spreader supports either fixed
to the sail and/or frame members to brace the sail while flying, at least
one of the frame members being hinged to allow the frame members and sail
to be folded or rolled into a small package.
Wing able to enhance
lift power by inner air flow, is solution of wing that results in increased
and changeable lift power, with lesser increase of aerodynamic resistance
than with conventional wings. In the invention basic embodiment, the wing
is provided with free aerodynamic air-flow through a specially designed
tunnel (4) running from the opening below the wing front edge (5) to the
wing exit edge (6). Turning of the blades (11) enables adjusting of angle
of the air flow (13) exiting from the tunnel (4), and their synchronous
turning with the gate (15) enables partial or complete closing of the
tunnel (4) and turning of the wing into a l conventional wing with closed
profile contour. The principle of this technical solution is applicabl...
The aircraft
structure enables a pilot to perform a take-off and a landing on the
pilot's feet and is designed as a structure between
kite-shaped gliders and light weight aircrafts. The characteristic
of the aircraft structure is that it is provided with cantilever wings (12)
or wings provided with an outer buttressing and movable particularly in the
same plane by means of a pilot-actuated mechanism (15).
The joint allows the
torsion of a bundle of lines, avoiding them to get twisted or entangled and
it allows each line to slide independently from the others, so each line
can transmit the tension applied to it. For example, the joint can be
applied to kites with two or more lines. This kind of kites is handled by
tractions on different lines. When the device is applied in an intermediate
point of the lines, it allows many rotations around the axis between the
pilot and the kite, without the lines becoming
entangled.
An aeolian system is
described for converting energ comprising at least one power wing profile
(30) which can be driven from the ground immersed in at least one aeolian
current (W) and a basic platform (1) for controlling the wing profile (30)
and generating electric energy placed at ground level and connected through
two ropes (2) to the power wing profile (30), such basic platform (1) being
adapted to drive the wing profile (30) and to generate electric energy,
such two ropes (2) being adapted to transmit forces from and to the wing
profile (30) and to be used both for controlling a flight trajectory of the
wing profile (30) and for generating energy. A process is further described
for producing electric energy through such aeolian system...
A system (1) is
described for automatically controlling the flight of at least one power
wing airfoil (2) , comprising first detecting means (3) on board of such
power wing airfoil (2) adapted to detect first pieces of information (3a)
dealing with at least one position and one orientation in space of the
power wing airfoil (2) and accelerations to which the power wing airfoil
(2) is subjected; second detecting means (5) on the ground adapted to
detect tension on the driving cables (21) of the power wing airfoil (2) and
a position of a driving unit (9) counterweight; processing and controlling
means (7) adapted to transform the contents of such information (3a, 5a)
into a mechanical drive operating on the winches of the driving unit (9) to
...
[PROBLEMS] An
aircraft that can be transported in a small space and has high performance.
[MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] An aircraft in which a
kite wing (300) is attached to an aircraft body (100) via struts
(210, 220) and a propeller (500) is rotatably supported by a shaft. A
propeller guard section (120) for guarding the outer circumference of the
propeller (500) is provided at the aircraft body (100). The struts (210,
220) can be fixed to the propeller guard section (120).
[PROBLEMS] A radio
aircraft capable of achieving stable flight. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A
radio aircraft in which a kite wing (300) is
attached to an aircraft body (100) and a propeller (500) is rotatably
supported by a shaft. The aircraft body (100) has a pair of body members
(110) positioned at the left and right of the propeller (500). The body
members (110) are connected at the rear end by a horizontal tail (130).
[PROBLEMS] An
aircraft in which a payload box can be easily replaced according to purpose
of use. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] An aircraft in which a payload box
(400) having various kinds of equipment including a camera loaded in it is
attached to an aircraft body (100) on which a kite
wing (300) and a propeller (500) are installed. Either the payload box
(400) or the aircraft body (100) has an installation hole section open
toward an installation portion of the other. The other of the two is
provided with a slide section (420) that can be slid and inserted into the
installation hole section.
Wind turbine assembly
consisting of a wind turbine mounted in a wing profile. The aim is to fix
the wing profile to the ground surface with the aid of the cable and to
allow such a wing profile to float through a combination of aerodynamic
lift and lighter-than-air buoyancy at an appreciable height above the
ground surface. As a result the maximum amount of wind can be caught. The
wind turbine consists of a turbine having a horizontal shaft, the blades
being constructed as flexible webs which change in shape depending on the
rotational position thereof.
A wing for a
traction kite, etc comprises a plurality of
cells formed by chordwise-extending ribs (3), valved openings (6) to the
cells allowing ram air to inflate the wing. By changing the initial cut-out
of the material forming the cells near wing tips (7, 8), compared with that
of the cells central to the wing, it is possible to alter the aerodynamic
forces at wing tips (7, 8). This allows attachment of flying lines (9, 10)
to wing tips (7, 8) only, despite the wing having no framing to maintain
its spanwise shape under the loading of flying lines (9, 10). The increased
aerodynamic forces at wing tips (7, 8) are achieved by making the aerofoil
profiles of the cells progressively more reflexive towards wing tips (7,
8), by giving wing tip...
An expandable braided
product having greatly reduced tendency to splay at its ends when cut is
provided by coating the braided product (10) with a thin layer of
elastomeric material which provides the desired anti-splaying property,
while retaining the expandable characteristic whereby the product expands
laterally when compressed longitudinally and when released returns to its
original size and shape.
A remote controlled aircraft
(100) has a center member (112) and a steering assembly. The steering
assembly comprises a carriage (120), a remote control motor (121), a center
member (112) and a connecting arm. The carriage (120) pivotably is attached
to the center member (112). The remote control motor has a control arm
(122) and is disposed within the carriage (120). The center member arm
(830) has a first end and a second end. The first end of the center member
arm is fixedly attached to the center member (812). The center member (812)
and the center member arm (830) is arranged in a non-parallel manner. The
connecting arm (840) has a first end and a second end. The first end of the
connecting arm (840) is pivotably attached to the second...
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.
What does the Sonex Aircraft patterns have to do with
AWECS?
E-flight is the basis for major AWE (airborne wind energy) efforts such
as Makani Power (Google 15M) & Joby Energy (50M). Their e-flight VTOL
platforms transition to generator mode attached to a tether. The goal is to
flexibly harvest the vastly greater windpower above what ground based
turbines reach. The huge potential is driving a boom in early stage research.
Sonex has a unique capability to study & demonstrate such a system with its
head-start in both e-flight & aviation standards compliance. Many existing
aviation methods, like aerotowing, banner-pick-up, & STOL, to solve
operational problems. Simply taking off conventionally from an airstrip is
probably superior than the VTOL dreams.
A Sonex derivative rated around 50-100 kw could take off to pick up or dock
with a tether in STOL mode. It would sweep in lazy-eights against the wind at
its design cruise speed & generate power by tug cycles or windmilling a
symmetrical-foil variable-pitch prop.
If such concepts make sense to you, then please forward this thread to
John Monnett
for consideration. I have been working in the AWE field for several years &
am glad to answer any questions,
Dave Santos
AWE Experimenter
Oshkosh-EAA fan
Cc: Joe Faust (AWEIA)
An ElectraFlyer
derivative could take off to pick up or dock with a tether in STOL mode. It
would sweep in lazy-eights against the wind at its design cruise speed &
generate power by tug cycles or windmilling a symmetrical-foil variable-pitch
prop.
http://www.electraflyer.com/
ds
[2] Harnessing
High Altitude Wind Power, B. W. Roberts, D. H. Shepard, K. Caldeira, M. E.
Cannon, D. G. Eccles, A. J. Grenier, and J. F. Freidin, IEEE Trans. on Energy
Conversion, 2007, 22(1) pp. 136-144.
Did Wong miss seeing how kites as AWECS could play within his schemes?
FairIP
Disambiguation Note- CoopIP is being renamed FairIP, where any AWE conceptual
creator working outside the broken patent system can claim a moral right to
compensation on an "honor system" basis. It is anticipated that socially
responsible companies will honor & even create FairIP, if costs are kept low
overall & lower than competitive patented IP.
CoopIP is henceforth defined as pooled FairIP & patents, copyrights, etc.
along cooperative principles.
DS, April 16, 2010
Human-powered aviation encloses lessons of construction and flying that may
enhance AWECS operations.
The
use of water reaction for lift is very marginal, the "jet-pack" only goes about
thirty feet up with 250hp. But a flying fire hose is a powerful idea. There is
also interest in what might be the cheapest method to spray cloud tops with
seawater to increase solar reflectance & fight global warming.
Small water rockets might be a fast cheap low altitude launch method. We used
to get about three hundred feet high with taped soda bottles.
It is fascinating to see how prisoners in supermax prisons have mastered the
art of "rat lines" where they fire bits of
cardboard under cell doors to drag out threads that are then snagged by
neighboring cells. They manage a flexible contraband network all over the cell
block, even up & down floors, & across freespace, by many astounding maneuvers.
Similarly, we can envision line grappling & payload exchange, with water
rockets being a more compact & safer method than strict ballistic launch, &
cheaper & more robust than regular UAVs.
A weird "tether conductance" concept is a
battery ladder mill,
where a cable loop of batteries rise discharged & return to earth charged. Its
not immediately clear how powerful this idea might prove. Winged & ballistic
batteries have interesting power curves.
Line laundry or sky trash that oscillates or rotates may form a robust branch
of working devices in AWECS.
An unmanned hang glider could be modified slightly to become a powerful
wing-mill in a energy production kite system. The hang glider wing-mill would
be set in line as a segment of the main kite system tether. The HG-wing-mill
would be set eccentric and allowed to to flap.
Japanese/Mexican Consortium Develops Mini-AWECS
JoeF proposed mini-AWE as a vital application scale. Allister complained that
membrane wingmills don't fire with steady precision. DaveL wished for an
AWECS to show 700 hr of reliable "fly & forget" performance. AWE development
can be hard work & i am lazy.
It took Japanese help to meet these concerns. Pending a phone-call to
develop gigawatt scale AWE, the latest KiteLab prototype is a Mini-AWECS
based on a Seiko Kinetic Drive (self-winding) Chronometer provided by my
brother. It converts wildly chaotic motion into well regulated work. Its
visible eccentric rotor is a pendulum ratcheted to drive a tiny generator,
which charges a lithium battery, that in turn powers a quartz watch
movement. Its a miniature model for future AWE ground-stations
into megawatt scale.
The clever added principle of AWECS operation is the classic chaos demo of
the
Double Pendulum, but run backwards. The watch was mounted as the bob
on a tunable wood pendulum, elastic damped & driven by a small membrane
wing-mill or flapping kite. The triple chaos of double pendulum, windfield,
& kite are transformed into precision electromechanical output. (Allister,
its damn close to Bond's Oyster Perpetual). This is an old idea on this
forum but the more one studies this process the more one marvels at its
relative efficiency across a wide bandwidth.
A variety of autonomous kite inputs work well. The UltraKite (TM)
technical pocket sled system with a tiny wing-mill is good for fast
pulses. Its a Morse sled that self-relaunches. A dimestore Gayla
flapping-wing hawk kite gives slower longer strokes, but wants a
chicken-stick for self-relaunch. Tying a wingmill off a tree branch &
running the line indoors models TEWP (Terrain Enabled Wind Power) & aux
power into hybrid plants. Everything works nicely. In fact, there is far
more power available than the watch function needs (imagine winding a
watch for days at a time). Steampunk hint- an automatic watch mainsprings
lets the spring slip in its barrel as a clutch, if over-wound.
Thank Japanese excellence & KiteLab for the most robust & smallest complete
electro-AWECS yet. Its weather-proof & might run a lifetime with minor
attention. The kinetic drive is standard COTS costing only a few dollars in
bulk. The Chinese make particularly inexpensive variants. Many high tech
applications run just fine on the power required for a watch. Watches
actually consume considerable power, especially with "complications", as
they call added features like moon phase & tide. Given the current
primitive state of the art, KiteLab can actually rack up new AWE records
for endurance, regulated output, high altitude, etc. with but a dinky
set-up.
