Patent classifications
B64C31/06
HYBRID ROLLING BRIDLE SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTING LOAD WHILE PERMITTING FREEDOM OF ROTATION
The exemplary embodiments herein provide a bridle for use with a rigid wing having two opposing ends, the bridle having a fixed bridle member attached to a bottom surface of the wing, a pair of connection points positioned on the fixed bridle and located at distance D vertically below the bottom surface of the wing, a rolling bridle member with a pair of opposing ends, where each opposing end is attached at one of the connection points, and a pulley with a sheave that travels along the rolling bridle member. In some embodiments, a motor is mechanically connected with the sheave. In some embodiments, the distance D is optimized for a preferred roll moment as the wing rolls through various angles.
Apparatus for extracting power from fluid flow
An apparatus for extracting power includes a track and an airfoil coupled to the track. The track includes first and second elongate sections, where the first elongate section is positioned above the second elongate section. The airfoil includes a suction surface lying between a pressure surface and the track, and is moveable in opposite directions when alternately coupled to the first elongate section and second elongate section.
System for starting and landing a flight-capable wing construction
A wind-driveable wing construction (30) which comprises a tether line (40), which is designed to connect the wing construction to a ground station (10) during operation, and one end of the tether line (40) being attached to the wing construction; and a bridle line system comprising a multiplicity of bridle lines (70, 71). At least two bridle lines having an end connected to the wing construction and at least one bridle line has an end connected to the tether line (40). The bridle line system is detachably connected to the tether line, during operation. The tether line (40) has a first sleeve (130) which is attached to the tether line, the bridle line system has a second sleeve (120), to which the at least one bridle line (70, 71) is connected. A capture cable is passed through the second sleeve, and the sleeves are designed to form a detachable connection.
WIND HARVESTING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide wind harvesting systems and methods using crosswind power kites and methods for launching crosswind power kites into wing-borne flight, for generating electricity through such flights, and for landing or retrieving such crosswind power kites.
WIND HARVESTING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide wind harvesting systems and methods using crosswind power kites and methods for launching crosswind power kites into wing-borne flight, for generating electricity through such flights, and for landing or retrieving such crosswind power kites.
ADJUSTABLE AREA KITE OR WING
A kite includes a frame including a leading edge support and a plurality of struts extending rearward from the leading edge support, a flexible main canopy attached to the frame and at least one flexible kite sizing section adjustably attached to the flexible main canopy. The at least one flexible kite sizing section is adjustable to change an area of the kite, including an area of at least a first wing tip section of the kite.
Light Kite
The present invention provides a kite including a body, wherein the body includes a wing and a tying place; wherein the body of the kite includes a supporting member formed directly from the wing; and wherein the supporting member maintains a shape of the body. In one embodiment, the body is made of a blister material. In another embodiment, the body is made of a material capable of being embossed or indented.
Light Kite
The present invention provides a kite including a body, wherein the body includes a wing and a tying place; wherein the body of the kite includes a supporting member formed directly from the wing; and wherein the supporting member maintains a shape of the body. In one embodiment, the body is made of a blister material. In another embodiment, the body is made of a material capable of being embossed or indented.
Control strategy for multiple kites on a single ground power unit
Methods and systems described herein relate to power generation control for an aerial vehicle. An example method may involve determining an asynchronous flight pattern for two or more aerial vehicles, where the asynchronous flight pattern includes a respective flight path for each of the two or more aerial vehicles; and operating each of the aerial vehicles in a crosswind flight substantially along its respective flight path, where each aerial vehicle generates electrical power over time in a periodic profile, and where the power profile of each aerial vehicle is out of phase with respect to the power profile generated by each of the other aerial vehicles.
Control strategy for multiple kites on a single ground power unit
Methods and systems described herein relate to power generation control for an aerial vehicle. An example method may involve determining an asynchronous flight pattern for two or more aerial vehicles, where the asynchronous flight pattern includes a respective flight path for each of the two or more aerial vehicles; and operating each of the aerial vehicles in a crosswind flight substantially along its respective flight path, where each aerial vehicle generates electrical power over time in a periodic profile, and where the power profile of each aerial vehicle is out of phase with respect to the power profile generated by each of the other aerial vehicles.