| Topic for open discussion: Backdriving
Power-Plant Generators
as Kite-Array Circle-Tow Motors |
|
Send
AWE notes and topic replies to editor@upperwindpower.com
|
| ?next? |
| July 9, 2020, post by Dave Santos Backdriving Power-Plant Generators as Kite-Array Circle-Tow Motors In principle, a power plant generator can also act in motor-mode to sustain an AWES array aloft during wind-lulls, by reverse-pumping circle-tow. The main mechanical detail is active clutching of the motor/gen to the kite array, rather than relying on a passive overrunning clutch. Utility generators already motor along by grid supply after being spun-up, to kick-in generation on demand. This fills in a key gap in kPower's conception of converting legacy power plants to AWES kite hybrids. Open-AWE_IP-Cloud It is going to be great fun making a working "toy" model at about 1/100 scale that does all basic modes. Seeing tailgater gens at around $100 to hack, but not ready to buy. I have the UHMWPE string, but trying to finalize an exact rigging design before spending days on "macramé." Wish I had sewing help... so close to "best kPower demo ever." |