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Lofted electric generators in energy-kite systems

It is suspected that there will be some niche applications where kite-lofted electric generators will satisfy needs winningly over kite-energy systems using ground-based electric generators. Discovering and describing those niche applications and designing the serving generator-aloft kite-energy systems is in focus here.   Some companies and individuals are investing fairly pointedly in GAKES (generator-aloft kite-energy system).  Others are advancing KES with electric generators remaining on the ground or water surface. Combing several generators in one system with some generators aloft and some on the ground is a possibility.

This working list is open by all to expand.. Your notes are welcome:   Notes@EnergyKiteSystems.net

Possible reasons for having generators aloft

Possible costs or special concerns
for having generators aloft

  1. Ground space has very special tight restrictions that preclude having ground-based generators.
  2. The generator might be for a secondary weapon purpose.
  3. The generator aloft design wins over ground-based solution in a particular case.
  4. Close coupling of wind turbines to the generator may produce its local efficiencies that win some specification.
  5.  
  1. Cost to maintain the complexity of the generators and its couplings.
  2. Icing
  3. Moisture
  4. Cost of having to lift the mass of the generators.
  5. Need for higher winds to reach minimum breakeven for profitable electricity generation.
  6. Depowering costs
  7. Landing costs
  8. Has the aloft solution been compared with ground basing the generator?
  9. Safety in case of crashing. Increased mass and its consequential momentum.
  10.  

 

  Douglas J. Amick 
Provisional Patent Application of
Douglas J. Amick
For   TITLE: TETHERED WIND TURBINE