The idea of using wind energy dates back to ancient times. Today, wind turbines are widely used in electricity generation. However, there are other methods of generating electricity from wind. The initiative called Kitepower appears with a very different approach in this sense. An interesting approach that can be described as “kite” or “wind crane”.The system called Kitepower Hawk has several elements. The first is a 400 kWh battery pack inside the container. This battery plays the role of both storage and distribution element of the system. The battery, which can provide 330 kW of power, is designed to provide energy for 10 hours under normal conditions. The second and third elements are the kite and the pulley system that can release and retract the kite.
How does the system work?
The kite tied to the end of the string is lifted into the air by the wind and the pulley moves, generating electricity, just like a wind turbine. Energy is also consumed when the reel pulls the kite back, but this energy is much less than the energy produced. Together with the battery pack, the system essentially acts as a generator.
It can produce net 30 kW electricity
According to the company’s statement, the system can produce 40 kW of electricity when the reel is released at maximum efficiency. When the kite is rewound, 10 kW of electricity is consumed. The system spends 80% of its time in the process of unwinding the kite (electricity production), and 20% in rewinding the kite (electricity consumption). In summary, the system can produce a net 30 kW of electricity while operating. The kite can reach a height of 350 meters when fully deployed.
According to Kitepower’s statement, the wind speed required for the system to operate at highest efficiency is only 35 km/h. When the wind speed exceeds 48 km/h, the efficiency of the system decreases. It is stated that the wind speed between 32-48 km/h is the most ideal range.
Advantages over classical wind turbines
The company claims that the system they have developed has 90% less material than conventional wind turbines and is up to twice as efficient at the same power output. They also state that since the kite can go very high, it is more efficient by catching stronger and more continuous winds. They also emphasize that it is a more environmentally friendly solution because it does not have large towers that consume a lot of resources and time, like classical wind turbines.
One of the biggest advantages of the system is that the part of the kite that collects the energy is cheap. This part consists of a parachute made of fiberglass. A kite damaged by a storm or any other reason can be easily replaced.
Another advantage of the system is that it is mobile. It is possible to install the system anywhere with the container that can be attached to any truck. Maximum efficiency can be achieved by changing the location of the system as the wind intensity changes according to the seasons. Kitepower is not the only company investing in this field. German startup EnerKite is also developing similar solutions.
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