Asymmetric Kite Wing for Wind Energy Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind energy conversion systems using kites face inefficiencies due to the need for constant steering and power consumption, as well as challenges in maintaining optimal tether tension and flight path stability, particularly when flying in circular or helical patterns.
Innovation Solution
The design of an asymmetric kite wing that naturally maintains an asymmetrical shape during flight, optimizing its spanwise structure to achieve higher speeds at one end over the other, allowing for efficient flight paths like circles or spirals, which enhances tether tension and power output by aligning with the 'centre of the wind' region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a kite follows a circular or helical flight path to maintain consistent tether tension, then power output stability is improved, but the physical size of the kite causes different wing tip speeds which complicates the kite design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the kite wing with different spanwise characteristics - one wing tip is designed to travel a shorter distance than the other during circular/helical flight. This asymmetric configuration naturally accommodates the different linear speeds of wing tips in rotational flight paths, eliminating the design complexity that would otherwise arise from trying to maintain equal speeds across all wing portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by giving different portions of the wing different properties - specifically, the wing is configured so that one end has different aerodynamic or geometric characteristics than the other end. This allows each local region of the wing to be optimized for its specific motion characteristics during circular flight, with the faster-moving tip having different properties than the slower-moving tip.
2Power
If regular large steering actions are applied to maintain figure-of-eight flight pattern, then power generation is improved, but power consumption increases and kite stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the kite to naturally follow circular or helical flight paths through its asymmetric configuration, without requiring active steering control. The asymmetric wing design creates inherent aerodynamic forces that guide the kite along stable circular trajectories, allowing the system to maintain itself without continuous energy input for steering corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using active control systems to force the kite into figure-of-eight patterns, the patent inverts the approach by designing the kite geometry itself to naturally produce circular flight paths. The asymmetric wing configuration automatically generates the desired flight pattern through passive aerodynamic forces, reversing the conventional control paradigm.
3Force
If the kite is kept near the centre of the wind region, then optimal tether tension is achieved, but control authority is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the kite with asymmetric wing geometry before flight. This pre-designed asymmetric structure automatically orients the kite correctly as it enters the center of the wind region, establishing optimal tether tension conditions in advance. The preliminary geometric configuration ensures the kite naturally seeks and maintains the high-tension region without requiring active control adjustments.
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 increases the kite's speed and tether tension, leading to improved power output and reduced energy consumption for maintaining optimal flight trajectories, while minimizing the need for mechanical control inputs.
Implementation Method 1
a body forming at least one wing for generating lift
Data Source
AI summary
A kite for a system for extracting energy from the wind, the kite comprising: a body having a wing for providing lift; means for connecting the wing to a tether; and means for controlling the flight of the kite in the wind, wherein the wing is constructed with an asymmetry in a spanwise direction from a first end of the wing to a second end of the wing to provide the wing with a naturally asymmetric shape at least when in flight. The asymmetry may be provided to optimise the shape of the wing for a flight pattern in which one end of the wing has a higher speed than the other end of the wing. For example, the asymmetry may be optimised to allow the kite to follow a flight pattern resembling a circle or spiral, from the point of view of a base unit of the system.