Various examples are provided related to kite energy generation. In one example, a method for kite-based energy generation includes deploying a kite in a flow of fluid; controlling movement of the kite along a continuous pattern across the flow, where the kite applies tension greater than a threshold during at least a first portion of the pattern and applies tension less than the threshold during at least a second portion of the pattern; and generating power during the first portion of the continuous pattern. In another example, a system includes a kite including control surfaces that control movement of the kite along a continuous pattern across the flow of fluid; a winch connected to the kite by a tether, and a generator of the winch that can generate power during a portion of the pattern; and a spool controller that can control spooling of the tether during the pattern.

A kite driven watercraft power generating system which includes at least one operative location defined on the watercraft, at least one inoperative location defined on the watercraft, a plurality of kite base stations mounted displaceably about the watercraft and, an orientation subsystem for displacing each of the plurality of kite base stations between the at least one operative, and, the at least one inoperative locations, respectively, wherein each of the plurality of kite base stations is further configured to orientate its respective kite in a wind harvesting and energy generating mode when located in the at least one operative location, and, in a kite retraction mode, when located in the at least one inoperative location.

A submersible telemetry platform includes a body and lift-generating surface(s) configured to provide lift to the body when a fluid flows thereacross. The platform includes attitude control surface(s) for controlling a pitch of the body in such a way that modifies the lift characteristics of the body. A control device is coupled to the attitude control surface(s) for controlling the lift attitude control surface(s). A base is configured to be anchored to a subsurface location and is coupled to the telemetry platform by a tether in such a way that the telemetry platform has freedom-of-movement about a common center point at the base. Telemetry equipment is coupled to the body of the telemetry platform for enabling wireless communication with at least one remote device. The telemetry platform is controllable to rise from a submersed position in a body of liquid to a surface of the body of liquid.

The present invention relates to a method for controlling airborne wind energy systems (AWES), e.g. with kites, in a wind energy park connected to an electrical grid. By appropriately controlling these AWES to produce electrical power to the electrical grid by alternating between a power production phase and a recovery phase by cable control or changing kite aerodynamics, it is possible to better balance the supply of the net power production to the electrical grid. In this way, the invention may stabilize the electrical grid and can have a grid forming capability. Furthermore, the wind energy park may stabilize the grid during a fault ride-through (FRT) event.

A kite control system for controlling a kite which includes a plurality of rotators, a plurality of guiding elements locatable between each of the plurality of rotators and the kite, a plurality of adjustable deflectors, a plurality of deflector guides configured to adjust the operational length of the kite connecting line upon adjustment of the deflector, at least one invert correlator for, when in use, inversely correlate the adjustment of the operative length of the respective kite connecting lines, wherein the plurality of kite connecting lines includes the connection of at least one of the kite connecting lines at the kite biased towards the leading end region of the kite, and the connection of at least another kite connecting line biased towards the trailing end region of the kite.

In the current invention, the parafoil follows a longitudinal trajectory away or towards the generator. The work is created along the path of the line, not across. When the parafoil is extended away from the vehicle generating power, the parafoil is set by the control system in a high drag configuration. When the parafoil reaches the end of the line (or close to it), the controller sets up the parafoil in the retraction mode. In this mode, the parafoil still creates lift, but, at a significantly lower drag, and therefore, the ground station can easily retrieve it by pulling the line towards the vehicles.

Methods, systems, and techniques for harnessing wind energy use a tethered airfoil and a digital hydraulic pump and motor, which may optionally be a combined pump/motor. During a traction phase, a wind powered airfoil is allowed to extend a tether and a portion of the wind energy harnessed through extension of the tether is stored prior to distributing the wind energy to an electrical service. During a retraction phase, the wind energy that is stored during the traction phase is used to retract the tether. The digital hydraulic pump and motor are mechanically coupled to the tether.

A wave energy collection and conversion system that uses a compliant capture mechanism to enable the collection of wave energy over extensive distances without introducing damaging forces onto the collection structure. The system includes a flexible membrane in contact with or submerged under water, a plurality of power generation devices positioned on a sea floor, and lines that connect the flexible membrane to the power generation devices. The power generation devices each include a self-reeling mechanism and a turbine. As wave energy pushes the flexible membrane, the lines are reeled into and out of the corresponding power generation device(s). Rotation of the shaft, in turn, rotates a gear and rotator of the turbine, thus harnessing energy derived from the wave motion.

A method of controlling an airborne object (2), such as a kite or a glider, is disclosed. The airborne object (2) may be an airborne energy generating system. The airborne object (2) is coupled to a part of a wind turbine (1), such as a nacelle (4), a tower (3) or a foundation, via a cable (7). At least one parameter related to movements (8) of the tower (3) of the wind turbine (1) is measured, and a cable force (9) of the cable (7) acting on the wind turbine (1) is adjusted, based on the at least one measured parameter. Thereby the tower movements (8) can be counteracted and fatigue can be reduced.

A kite (10) which includes a canopy (12) comprising an upper sail (14) and a plurality of rib bridles (26) arranged substantially at an inclined angle relative the upper sail (14), wherein the rib bridles (26) are further connectable to upper sail bridles (32), which upper sail bridles (32) extend substantially at an inclined angle away from the rib bridles (22).