Airborne Wind Energy System Coupled to Ground Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wind energy parks face inefficiencies due to underutilized power transmission line capacity and variable power production, especially at low wind speeds or when some turbines are stopped for maintenance, leading to suboptimal energy generation and infrastructure utilization.
Innovation Solution
Integrating an airborne wind energy system coupled to existing wind turbines via a cable, allowing the airborne system to capture wind energy at higher altitudes and transfer it back as mechanical or electrical energy, thereby increasing overall power production and utilizing existing infrastructure more effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional wind turbines are used alone, then the system structure is simple, but the power transmission line capacity is not fully utilized under certain operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traditional ground-based wind turbines with airborne wind energy systems into a hybrid configuration. The airborne system captures wind energy at higher altitudes while the ground-based turbine operates at lower levels, merging two different energy capture approaches to fully utilize the power transmission line capacity that would otherwise remain underutilized during low wind speed conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a vertical dimension to wind energy capture by deploying airborne wind energy systems at elevated altitudes rather than relying solely on ground-based turbines. This dimensional transition allows the system to access wind resources at different heights, enabling power generation during conditions when traditional turbines are insufficient, thereby maximizing transmission line utilization
2Productivity
If wind turbines are stopped for maintenance or due to low wind speeds, then the turbine structure is protected, but the power production decreases and transmission line capacity is underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The airborne wind energy system serves as an intermediary energy production source that activates when ground-based turbines are unavailable. During maintenance periods or low wind speed conditions, the airborne system compensates for the lost production, ensuring continuous power generation and full utilization of the transmission line capacity without compromising turbine reliability
3Use of energy by moving object
If wind turbines operate at low wind speeds, then the energy capture is maximized, but the power production remains below the design level and transmission line capacity is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
By transitioning to airborne operation at higher altitudes, the system accesses wind resources that provide sufficient energy capture even when ground-level wind speeds are low. This vertical dimension shift enables the airborne component to generate adequate power to utilize the transmission line capacity that would otherwise be wasted during low wind speed periods
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the utilization of power transmission line capacity, stabilizes power production, and extends the lifespan of wind turbines by allowing the airborne system to generate power during turbine downtime, thus increasing the total energy output of the wind energy park without requiring additional land or infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a part of the system is launched to a high altitude, where energy of the wind is harvested
Data Source
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AI summary
A wind energy park comprising a number of wind turbines (1) is disclosed. Each wind turbine (1) comprises a tower (2) placed on a foundation, at least one nacelle (3) mounted on the tower (2) and a rotor (4) coupled to the nacelle (3) generating electrical energy for a power grid of the wind energy park. The wind energy park further comprises at least one airborne wind energy system (12, 13) coupled to one of the wind turbines (1) via a cable (6).