DC2: Robust operation of AWE in low and high wind speed conditions

Objectives

In high wind conditions but especially during weaker wind conditions, autonomous AWE operation becomes challenging, which is a problem that has not yet been solved. An AWE plant should ideally be able to operate in the weakest winds, motivated by the fact the energy prices are highest under these conditions. The work of this DC is to develop new algorithms and strategies using the complete plant, to minimise practical cut-in speeds and maximise cut-out wind speeds. Under high winds, it is a matter of being able to survive gusts without exceeding load limits. Specifically, this would entail winch-kite interactions, active angle of attack control, the azimuth angle of the production cylinder, as well as the overall trajectory, automatic change in elevation angle, variable looping diameter and other key metrics that can be manipulated to achieve very wide operational range. The PhD student is proposed to develop algorithms on this topic, which then can be tested together with Kitemill through practical experiments. The student will be tightly integrated into the Kitemill team to ensure that verification through flight tests is a success.

Expected Results

Reference design for pumping hard-wind kite. Investigations on various control strategies on operating range. Advanced controller for extended operating range. Experimental verification of the advanced controller.

Supervisory team

Espen Oland is main supervisor, Mark Kelly is academic supervisor. Roland Schmehl and Lorenzo Fagiano are co-supervisors.

Planned secondment

Technical University of Denmark (M15-M21) for ABL models and modelling framework sparring, supervised by Mark Kelly.