System for power generation from a flow of fluid, comprising a fluid driven device connected to a tether wherein the tether is coupled with a base station to convert energy from the flow of fluid into transportable energy, wherein the fluid driven device comprises a frame provided with adjustable vanes, and wherein the vanes are adjustable for setting into a predefine position relative to the flow of fluid. The fluid driven device comprises a working mode and a retraction mode, wherein in the working mode the vanes are set in a first predetermined position to generate a lift force from the flow of fluid, and wherein in the retraction mode the vanes are set in a second predetermined position to provide a low drag level to the flow of fluid, and wherein the work performed during working mode is larger than the work supplied during retraction mode.

An apparatus with rotating turbine including: a cage rotating around a cage axis, wherein the rotation of the cage around the cage axis induces a lift of the apparatus above the ground; and a plurality of turbines located within the cage, each turbine rotating around a respective turbine axis different from the cage axis, and including a turbine blade having an adaptable shape; a frame including a first frame portion and a second frame portion coupled to the first frame portion, and wherein the first frame portion pivots relative to the second frame portion; a connection between an end of the frame and a region of the frame away from the end of the frame.

Faired tethers with internal support structures providing support to strength cores, and systems therewith, are described. The faired tethers include one or more electrical conductors and one or more rigid supports that inhibit movement of a strength core within a faired tether.

A kite system having a kite (14) and a hauling rope (15) which extends between the kite (14) and a tow point (16). A marking holder (25) is disposed between the tow point (16) and the kite (14). The marking holder (25) is conceived for changing between an entrained state in relation to the hauling rope (15), and a free-running state in relation to the hauling rope (15). A fitting installation (31) initiates a changeover between the entrained state and the free-running state of the marking holder (25). The invention moreover relates to a method for operating a kite system.

System and methods for controlling the oscillation of floating ground stations in aerial wind turbine systems are disclosed. Thrusters on the ground station or on one or more aerial vehicles associated with the ground station apply a compensatory force to the oscillating ground station to reduce and/or substantially eliminate wave-induced oscillations. Submerged thrusters may also rotate the ground station to a preferred alignment direction with the waves. Additionally, control systems use environmental and/or positional sensor data to develop a predictive force profile that maps desired compensatory force magnitude versus time. The control systems use that predictive force profile to direct the thrusters to apply a varying compensatory force over time.

An example system includes an aerial vehicle, a tower, a tether, a gimbal assembly coupled to the tower, and a ring or landing surface coupled to the tower. The tether is connected between the gimbal assembly and the aerial vehicle. When the aerial vehicle is not in flight, the aerial vehicle may hang from the tether or park on the landing surface. In some embodiments, the ring or landing surface may support the tether away from the tower to prevent the aerial vehicle from contacting the tower. In some examples, the tower may include a lattice structure and guy wires, in other examples the tower may be tubular, while in other examples the tower may be a buoy.

Offshore airborne wind turbine systems with an aerial vehicle connected via a tether to an adjustably buoyant body. The tether may be coupled to an underwater mooring through which it may move, or it may be coupled to a floating platform through which it may move. The buoyancy of the buoyant body may be adjusted to change the tension in the tether or for other purposes.

A morphing aerodynamic structure includes a body with an outer covering, a bridle attached to the body, and a light-response polymer disposed on at least one of the outer covering and the bridle. The light-responsive polymer is configured to change shape when illuminated with a laser such that at least one of an angle of attack, roll, pitch and yaw of the morphing aerodynamic structure is at least partially controlled without the use of a mechanical or pneumatic control unit.

The exemplary embodiments herein provide an airborne power generation assembly comprising an airborne power generation unit, a submersible platform, an electrified tether winch attached to the submersible platform, an electrified tether connecting between the electrified tether winch and the airborne power generation unit, and a power output exiting from the submersible platform. Embodiments include an underwater docking station with a docking station tether connecting the submersible platform to the underwater docking station. The submersible platform or the underwater docking station may be anchored to the sea bed. Other embodiments include winches for the sea bed anchor tethers and docking station tether.

A tether guide operable through a wide range of tether/fleeting angles while causing minimal wear and having a reduced size compared to a levelwind wheel. The tether guide may include a series of rollers approximating the curved shape and radius of levelwind wheel. The tether guide may include downward facing guide wings matched to a curved roller profile, but flaring out to capture and guide tether into rollers. Sensors may be included on the tether guide to provide information about tether location, including whether the tether is engaged in the tether guide.