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.

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.

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 method of generating power. An airborne power generating craft is connected to a floating structure using an aloft portion of a tether line. The floating structure is connected to an anchor using an underwater portion of the tether line. The anchor is secured to an underwater floor. Power is generated based on movement of the airborne power generating craft in response to a wind force. The floating structure is connected to an electrical transmission system through at least part of the tether line. The generated power is transmitted to the electrical transmission system.

A method of generating power using an airborne power generating craft connected to an anchor using a tether line. The anchor is secured to an underwater floor. Power is generated based on movement of the airborne power generating craft in response to a wind force. A constant length of the tether line is maintained between the airborne power generating craft and the anchor as the airborne power generating craft moves in response to the wind force. The airborne power generating craft is connected to an electrical transmission system through at least part of the tether line. The generated power is transmitted to the electrical transmission system.

A method of maintaining an offshore power plant. A plurality of airborne power generating craft are landed on or near a floating vessel. Each of the plurality of airborne power generating craft forms part of the offshore power plant.

In order to maximize cooling while minimizing drag in aerial vehicles of airborne wind turbines, it may be preferable to dissipate the cooling energy of the motors via a radiator in a region with advantageous airflow parameters. Aerial vehicle rotors operating in thrust mode may produce relatively more airflow velocity in certain regions further away from the center of the rotor blades, both radially and longitudinally. Placing a radiator in a rotor-supporting pylon and offset from the center of the rotor blades and aft of the rotor blades may allow for greater cooling while the aerial vehicle while in thrust mode.

Systems and methods are provided for a wiring harness for an aerial vehicle. A wing of the aerial vehicle comprises a pocket for insertion of the wiring harness. The wiring harness provides wiring and associated connections capable to attach to and power various components.

Apparatus are disclosed that are configured to passively rotate a propeller blade from a first pitch angle to a second pitch angle. An example apparatus involves: (a) a rotor hub, (b) at least one dual-pitch support coupled to the rotor hub, wherein the dual-pitch support has a first surface, a second surface and a cavity defined there between, and (c) at least one propeller blade rotatably coupled to the rotor hub such that a blade root is disposed within the dual-pitch support's cavity, where the blade root's front face is positioned against the dual-pitch support's first surface in a first position and the blade root's back face is positioned against the dual-pitch support's second surface in a second position, and the propeller blade is oriented at a first pitch angle in the first position and is oriented at a second pitch angle in the second position.