Abstract
For this specific test, the 25m² leading edge inflatable V3 kite was flown, which was also used by Oehler in 2017 but with a different measurement configuration. The kite was equipped with a newly designed flow measurement setup to replace the less robust measurement setup of Oehler. Conservative operational settings were used as the test was focused on data acquisition rather than maximising energy production. Therefore, the power output during the test was lower than that for normal operation. Also, the system configuration was already dated at the time of the test and has gone through substantial development since then, e.g., Kitepower nowadays employs a much larger kite with an improved design. The measurements were performed with the 100 kW technology development platform of Kitepower B.V., which is a spin-off company from Delft University of Technology. For this particular test flight, the kite power system was equipped with a Leading Edge Inflatable (LEI) V3 kite. The traction force was transferred to the ground station by a tether made of Dyneema. A general description of the kite power system is given in the work of Van der Vlugt and Salma.
Roland Schmehl
Associate Professor
Pursuing all aspects of airborne wind energy research and technology development.
