Aquatic Kite Power Generation for Lower-Energy Tether Retraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing marine wind power generation systems face inefficiencies due to increased energy consumption during the retraction mode when the kite is retracted against the wind direction, leading to decreased cost efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An aquatic wind power generation system that alternates between power generation and retraction modes, controlling the hull's direction to face leeward during retraction, minimizing the relative wind velocity, and optimizing the advancing direction to reduce energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the kite is retracted against the wind direction during retraction mode, then the tether can be retracted effectively, but the energy required to wind the tether increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetether retraction effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption for winding operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of wind resistance during retraction into a beneficial effect by directing the hull's bow into the wind (leeward direction). This allows the wind to push the hull forward, reducing the relative wind velocity experienced by the kite and thereby reducing the energy required to wind the tether while maintaining effective retraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Productivity

If the hull advances at higher velocity to reduce retraction time, then productivity improves, but the relative wind velocity increases leading to higher energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretraction speedVSAvoidenergy consumption for winding operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters by controlling the hull's advancing velocity and direction (orienting the bow into the wind). This parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between retraction speed and energy consumption by reducing the relative wind velocity component that opposes the winding operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach reduces energy consumption during the retraction mode, enhancing overall power generation efficiency by minimizing the relative wind velocity and optimizing the hull's direction for faster unwinding and increased power output.

Implementation Method 1

a power generation system that includes a kite connected to the hull via a tether, and alternates between a power generation mode, in which wind power is generated by the unwinding operation of the tether due to the flight of the kite

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWind power generation: Wind Power

Implementation Method 2

the bow of the hull faces the leeward direction when the tether is retracted, and hence the relative wind velocity with respect to the kite can be reduced

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRelative velocity reduction: Drag

Data Source

PatentUS12398692B2Aquatic wind power generation system

Publication Date: 2025.08.26 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

An aquatic wind power generation system includes: a hull that navigates on water; a power generation system that includes a kite connected to the hull via a tether, and repeats between a power generation mode, in which wind power is generated by an unwinding operation of the tether due to flight of the kite, and retraction mode, in which the tether is retracted by a winding operation of the tether; and a controller that performs control to direct a bow of the hull in a leeward direction in the retraction mode.